Shepparton’s stage lights up with Little Shop of Horrors auditions

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Spooky: Audrey II with Corbin Bleu as Seymour in Little Shop Of Horrors. Photo: Playbill and Evan Zimmerman.

Shepparton Theatre Arts Group is seeking actors and backstage crew for one of its silliest and spookiest performances yet.

Little Shop of Horrors is set to hit the stage in September.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 at the Bakehouse Shed, 17 Wheeler St, Shepparton.

Directed by STAG icon Helen Janke and with Marc McIntyre as the creative director, alongside musical director Tricia Baggs, Little Shop of Horrors promises to captivate audiences.

“Well, we asked people what they want to see,” Mr McIntyre said when asked why they chose Little Shop of Horrors.

“It’s funny how our needs and wants change over time. When I was younger, I went to theatre because I wanted to be moved and challenged, and now, as a ‘sort of’ adult, I find those needs are met on a daily basis.

“Now we want to be entertained, have a laugh, see something that looks great, hear some awesome music, and if you can trick us into thinking about something, then you’ve done a great job.”

Although the cast is an important part of any show, both Ms Janke and Mr McIntyre said they wanted the focus to also be on the backstage crew.

“This show is ridiculous, a six-foot puppet from outer space that eats people is a lot more fun than making Oklahoma’s Surrey with a Fringe on Top,” Mr McIntyre said.

“So for creative types who don’t want to be on stage, it’s a great opportunity to get involved in set, props, costumes and audio visuals, even if you don’t have much experience, you can still have fun and give it a go.”

The show is a sci-fi horror musical featuring an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

The story follows Seymour Krelborn, a meek assistant at a floral shop, who discovers a strange and unusual plant with an insatiable appetite for human blood.

As the carnivorous plant, named Audrey II, grows bigger and meaner, it promises Seymour fame and fortune as long as he continues to feed its thirst for blood.

However, Seymour soon discovers Audrey II’s extraterrestrial origins and its true drive for world domination, leading to a thrilling and comedic showdown.

STAG invites actors, singers and performers of all backgrounds and experience levels to audition for various roles in the show.

For audition information and audition bookings, go the STAG website at stagtheatre.com