• Wed. May 15th, 2024

Singing plants and special effects make production unique

Students have a musical they can look forward to this fall complete with secret love, doo-wop and . . . singing plants?

The theatre department is presenting the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” this fall. Production Specialist Dan Libecap said the plants make the production unique because “the plants grow throughout the play.”

The star plant, Audrey II, is actually a large puppet rented from Wright State University, according to Libecap.

“A lot of puppetry is very similar to (the 1986 movie),” Libecap said.

Libecap is hoping to premiere a special effect that he believes has never been done before.

“We’re just trying to make it bigger and better,” he said.

Libecap has researched the effect, and he believes that it can work. However, more building and testing is required before it can be presented to the public.

“Expect anything from all sides, and that’s all I can say,” he said.

The play is a great mix of horror, comedy and musical, according to Libecap. He believes the play is a lot of fun, especially around Halloween. People who have never seen the show will often claim it as one of their favorites after they’ve seen it, he said.

“It’s just such an odd and fun show,” Libecap said.

The musical is one of three plays scheduled for this year’s theatrical season. One classical piece, “Antigone,” and one contemporary piece, “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” fill the remaining roster, according to Marketing Manager Patti Celek.

“Little Shop of Horrors” stars James Roselli and Tracie Puckett as Seymour and Audrey, co-workers at a skid-row florist shop. Joshua Scales will voice the star plant, Audrey II. Puppeteers have not yet been announced.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Blair Hall box office one week before the event. To purchase tickets online, click here.