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Rehearsals are now at fever pitch with less than two weeks to go to
the opening night of Birr Stage Guild's musical Little Shop of
Horrors.
The musical is based on the 1960 Roger Corman movie, Little Shop of
Horrors. It tells the story of Seymour Krelbourn, an orphan and a
nerd, who is taken in by Mr. Mushnik the Jewish owner of a run down
florists in a seedy part of town, Skid Row. Seymour spends his time
doing menial tasks and dreaming of the shop assistant, Audrey. He
discovers a strange plant and names it Audrey II. He also discovers
the plant's unique appetite. The plant grows and grows as does
Seymourís infatuation with Audrey. But who will get her first?
The show introduces a rich mix of characters, including the hapless
Seymour played by Christiaan Feehan who is making his first
appearance with the Stage Guild. The object of his desires, Audrey,
is played by Shanna Kenny who is also making her debut with the
Guild. Colm Bourke who has made a number of appearances with the
Stage Guild appears as the not-quite-so-kindly Mr. Mushnik. Tony
Carroll plays Orin Scrivello D.D.S, the evil dentist. Among the
inhabitants on Skid Row is the sprightly trio, a girl group with
attitude, namely Crystal (Naomi Mooney), Chiffon (Audrey Campbell)
and Ronnette (Laura Dolan). And then there is Audrey II played by
Michael Donegan a veteran of many Stage Guild performances. The
principals are supported by a solid and experienced Chorus.
This year, Birr Stage Guild invited Colin Hughes from Tullamore to
direct the show. Colin is currently studying at Bull Alley Theatre,
Co. Dublin. His first introduction to directing was at the age of 16
with St. Mary's Youth Centre, Tullamore. Colin has been the director
with Cistercian College, Roscrea for the past two years, directing
Annie Get Your Gun and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
He is co-director with Theatreworx Stage School, Tullamore and T.V.
work includes Fair City and The Clinic for R.T.E. He has performed
extensively with various musical societies and is delighted to have
been given the opportunity to direct this show.
Colin is supported by Maureen de Forge in the role of Production Co-Ordinator.
Little Shop of Horrors marks Enda O'Connor's twelfth production with
Birr Stage Guild as Musical Director. The hard working and talented
backstage crew is operating under the stewardship of Jack Feehan,
Stage Manager.
The show opens in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre with a Gala Opening
Night on Sunday 27th February and runs nightly until Saturday 5th
March. Booking may be made in person at the Theatre or by phoning
(0509) 22911 between 1p.m. and 5p.m. The Box Office is delighted to
report that bookings are already flowing in. The cast and crew are
looking forward to seeing you all at some point during the week's
run. Please access their newly established website
www.birrstageguild.com for progress
reports and rehearsal photos |