Little Shop of Horrors prepares to hit Crystal Theatre stage

Its fabulous, said Val Smith, co-director of the Crystal Theatres fall musical Little Shop of Horrors set to premiere early November at the theater in Flandreau.
Tickets go on sale this Wednesday and it may be a tough show to catch if you dont purchase early. The production promises plenty of laughs, catchy music, and a chance to see local talent in ways youve never seen them before.
The upcoming annual local theatre production this year is a musical comedy with a smaller cast than years past, and more of an adult cast than a youth feature.
Everybody knows the Rick Moranis version from the 1980s, said co-director Dan Sutton.
Theres great background vocals throughout. We have some new talent from Pipestone, and Paul Lewis, a local attorney, is taking a lead this year with some solos. He and Ted Kulm do a great little tango in the show. The music is just fun and the vocalists are great and its all about a plant that tries to take over the world.
There are some younger actors in the mix, all of the doo-wop girls are high schoolers, Smith added.
And talk about a surprise audition, said Sutton.
Mason Thompson is returning to the stage and he is so excited to be playing the role of the dentist. Probably another surprise is Matt Knippling as the voice of the plant. And Paul Lewis, dancing on stage, who would think, he added with a grin.
Smith noted that while the title might sound dark, Its not gorey, she said with a laugh.
When you say Little Shop of Horrors, weve got where the plant eats the people, which, okay, that may be gorey. But its like a horror comedy. Its a comedy.
Behind the scenes, Mary Beth Sutton, a music teacher and wife to the director, is leading the pit, with Lori Kneebone back on piano. Everyone is laughing, its such a good time, everyone is having so much fun with this one, said Smith.
It really will be a fun year were encouraging everyone to come out.
The musical is scheduled for performances November 6, 7, 8, and 9. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m.. Matinee performances will be on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
Directors are looking for anyone that might want to become a friend or supporter of this years production at a cost of a $50 or more donation to the Theatre to help offset the costs of the musical.
In return, donors receive two tickets with reserve seating to the performance of your choice. For current season ticket holders, these would be two additional tickets.
The box office opens to the general public this Friday, Oct. 17.
For more information or to reserve seats, contact the Crystal Theatre box office (in person or by phone, 605-864-0517).