- April 24, 2024
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Missing that in-person entertainment buzz? City Repertory Theatre brings the "monster musical," "Little Shop of Horrors," to Palm Coast in the socially distanced outdoor space — the Palm Coast Arts Foundation tent — for two weekends starting Black Friday at 7 p.m.
Billed as a deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, "Little Shop of Horrors" has devoured the hearts of theater goers for over 30 years. The 1982 musical is based on the 1960 film of the same name, featuring 1960s rock-and-roll style songs written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, of Disney fame. The plot centers on a florist shop that acquires a mysterious plant that feeds on human flesh and blood.
In the City Repertory Theatre's production, Alexander Loucks and Chelsea Jo Conrad have been cast in the lead roles of Seymour Krelborn and Audrey. John Sbordone directs, and Ben Beck is the music director.
Sbordone also has a personal connection to the show. He attended Indiana University's doctorate program while Howard Ashman was there in the early 1970s to get a master's degree. Ashman ate Thanksgiving dinner one year with Sbordone, he said. Ashman went on to help write the music for "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast" before he died at age 40.
Sbordone admires the writing of "Little Shop," which draws on Greek theater models. However, "You don't have to know any of that, just enjoy a good love story, horror story, adventure story — with a magnificent chorus," he said.
The show was chosen for performance because of its levity. "Fun" is what's needed in the community right now, he said. He also praised PCAF for being a great partner; the tent at Town Center will have three sides open to provide plenty of ventilation and keep the socially distanced and mask-wearing audience as safe as possible.
