FCT's 'Little Shop of Horrors' at the Flag Thu - Sun
A meek florist assistant with a crush, a carnivorous plant and a demented dentist kick off the Family Community Theatre’s 36th year this week at the Flag Theater.
"Little Shop of Horrors" will run Thu. - Sun. Directed by Piper Harding, the musical's cast includes a mix of veterans and newcomers.
Josh Duran plays the lead. "Seymour is very timid. He is an orphan who works in a flower shop. He is really lonely. Audrey is an outlet, and he tries to win her heart. He evolves through the show and finds himself, his voice," he said.
The Buhler native studies Theatre at Butler Community College and Wichita State University. He previously played the lead in "Spongebob: The Musical" in 2022. His first production was FCT's "Mary Poppins" in 2016.
Ali Shea Kells portrays Aubrey, the object of Seymour's crush. She is from Garden City, a Music Theatre major at Friends University, and commutes from Wichita.
"'Little Shop' is a dream show I've wanted to do forever. We have an extremely talented cast of people. Supporting local art and theatre is extremely important. The theatre community in Central Kansas is so tight-knit,” she said.
Danny Nowlan plays Orin Scrivello, DDS, Audrey's demented dentist boyfriend.
"Orin is the antagonist. I'm having fun with that," Nowlan said, explaining that his performance was inspired by multiple interpretations of the character, particularly Steve Martin's in the 1986 movie.
"This experience has been great. We have a super-talented cast. The audience will be entertained and amazed. It's a story most people are familiar with and will love to see in person," he said.
Director Piper Harding became involved when "Little Shop of Horrors" replaced the previously scheduled production "Bright Star."
"I was familiar with 'Little Shop' and knew the songs and some of the dialogue. This is one of the best casts I have worked with," she said. "Everyone has taken the work on, practicing on their own outside of rehearsals."
Harding praised Clif Riggs, who designed and built the set. He also portrays Audrey II, a puppet rented from Southwestern College in Winfield.
"Clif has not been on stage in 20 years. He did perform [in 'Little Shop'] at Fort Hays State University in the 80s. He knows how to build a set, and he took charge of it all," she said.
She also thanked costume designer Jo Stropes.
"This production has been stress-free because everyone has stepped up," Harding said.
Cast
Nick Amezola ………………………………………………. Puppeteer
Esther Blakely ……………………………………………... Puppeteer
Emmie Boese ………………………………………….……. Puppeteer
Josh Duran ……………………………………………………. Seymour
Tim Hass ………………………………………………………. Mr. Mushnik
Ali Shea Kells ………………………………………………. Audrey
Jaiden Montandon ……………………………………… Puppeteer
Danny Nowlan ……………………………………………. Orin Scrivello, DDS
Judah Nowlan …………………………………………….. Customer
Clif Riggs …………………………………………………….. Audrey II
Catherine Vessey ……………………………………….. Ronnette
Haley West ………………………………………………….. Crystal
Emily Wood ………………………………………………… Chiffon
Ensemble
Nick Amezola Emmie Boese Melissa Desemo Emily Duran Lacey Lambert
“Little Shop of Horrors” shows are 7:30 p.m. Thu. through Sat. and 3 p.m. Sun. Doors open one hour prior. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and youth and $7 for children. Advanced tickets are available at Absolutely Flowers and Bookends Bookstore. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office and online.
The Family Community Theatre’s next project will host “Spotlight Gala: A Night Among The Stars” at the Cosmosphere on Sat., Aug. 3.