'Feed me': Nevada High School invaded by man-eating plants

Seymour and his plant, "Audrey II," during a dress rehearsal for the Nevada High School's presentation of the musical "Little Shop of Horrors," which opens Thursday night at 7 p.m., in the Nevada High School auditorium, with additional performances at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail.

Be prepared for giant man-eating plants from outer space to take over Nevada High School as the production of "Little Shop of Horrors" opens Nov. 17.

The show, produced by the NHS Fine Arts Department, involves nearly 40 high school students, both on the stage and behind the scenes.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is one of the longest running off-Broadway shows of all time and is a humorous spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies. In the show, "a down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!" according to publisher Music Theatre International.

"Some of the most entertaining aspects of the show are the large Venus flytrap-like plants that are controlled by puppeteers. The plants are rented from a theatrical company in Kansas City and are large enough to be 'fed' the actors who climb inside of them. The students have had a great time working with the four different sized plants," said Theatrical Director Angie Bin.

Lead characters and soloists, under the tutelage of Music Director Wes Morton, include: senior Cameron Byergo as the floral assistant, Seymour; junior Tanisha Lukenbill as Seymour's sweet and vulnerable love interest, Audrey; sophomore Luke Christensen as the flower shop owner, Mr. Mushnik; senior Dallas Stanart as the sadistic dentist boyfriend of Audrey, Orin; and junior Brandon Norton as the voice of the infamous plant, Audrey II. They are often accompanied by three street smart girls who serve as a "Greek Chorus" providing commentary on the scene: sophomore Maddi Gordon as Chiffon, junior Terrin Baker as Ronnette, and freshman Kavacia Dowell as Crystal.

The show is at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17, 18, and 19 at the Nevada High School auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and are available in the high school office or at the door. The doors open at 6:30 for the show. Concessions are provided by the NHS National Forensic League.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken. It is based on the film by Roger Corman and the screenplay by Charles Griffith.

For more information, contact Angie Bin at (417) 448-2020, ext. 5058 or at angelabin@nevada.k12.mo.us.