Look Out! Central’s Sullivan Theater Sprouts First Summer Musical Little Shop of Horrors

May 16, 2024 0 Comments

It’s safe to say The Sullivan Theater in Central has put down roots in the Baton Rouge community theater scene. Last June, the brand new theater opened its first show with a Sherlock Holmes mystery.

Four more plays and one musical later, just in time for its one-year anniversary, an all-volunteer cast and a killer production team are trading 8849 Sullivan Rd. for the mean streets of Skid Row. That’s right — Seymour, Audrey, and one very hungry plant are on stage May 31 through June 9 for Little Shop of Horrors.

When the show begins, audiences will be transported to the famous failing flower shop on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Here, they meet Seymour (played by Warren Douglas), a hapless florist with big dreams, and Audrey (played by Carole Moore), his co-worker and crush.

Seymour soon reveals to Audrey and his irritable boss, Mr. Mushnik (played by Robby Wilson), that he has happened upon a strange and unusual plant that he calls Audrey II. With an insatiable — and diabolical — appetite, Audrey II grows into a sensational spectacle that brings big business and fame to Mushnik’s flower shop. This leads Seymour down a dark and hilarious path of outrageous twists and dangerous dilemmas.

The cast features a mix of familiar faces and, dare we say, new blood. Among those returning is director Chelsea Gidden who said, “This show holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to bring it to the Sullivan stage for our first spectacular summer musical.”

When asked what makes this show perfect for The Sullivan, she said, “We wanted something dynamic yet familiar with a powerhouse score to make a splash and Little Shop of Horrors perfectly fit that bill. We cannot wait to show the community what The Sullivan can do from amazing actors and a talented production team to impeccable set design and flashy technical elements, all comparable to professional theater.”

Gidden previously directed last season’s production of Clue On Stage, and has performed, choreographed, and directed music at the theater as well.

Chad Harelson is back for his fifth show since The Sullivan’s inception as the maniacal dentist Orin, while Sharonda Morris makes her debut in Central as the voice of the ever-demanding plant Audrey II.

Dee Carter, Kyra Cavalier, Kelsey Mack, and Mallory Luckett share the stage for the first time as the show’s own Greek chorus (better known as The Urchins).

JT Fussell and Cadee Murray will puppeteer the plant. Richard Baker is musical director, Landon Corbin is assistant director, and Delilah Guilbeau is stage manager.

Secure your seats now for what’s sure to be a dazzling sold-out run! Whatever you do, just remember: Don’t feed the plants!

ABOUT THE THEATER

The Sullivan Theater first opened in the summer of 2023 and performed four shows in its inaugural year. These included a sold-out run of Miracle on 34th Street and the 2024 season opener Nunsense. Now the fan favorite Little Shop of Horrors is set to open as its first major summer musical.

As a community theater, all performers are local volunteers from the Central community and surrounding areas.

Three more shows will take the stage in the remainder of 2024; Agatha Christie’s thrilling mystery The Mousetrap, the romantic comedy musical She Loves Me, and the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life.

SHOW INFORMATION

Little Shop of Horrors runs May 31 thru June 9 with a 7:30 p.m. curtain Thursday through Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays. There will be one Sunday evening showing at 7:30 p.m. on June 2, featuring the understudy cast.

Tickets are on sale now at www.sullivantheater.com/tickets. Tickets are $30 each.

The Sullivan Theater is located at 8849 Sullivan Rd. in Central.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Book and Lyrics by:

Howard Ashman

Music by: Alan Menken

Director: Chelsea Gidden

Assistant Director: Landon Corbin Music Director: Richard Baker

Stage Manager: Delilah Guilbeau

Puppeteer Consultant:

Frawg Wilson

Photos Courtesy of: