'Little Shop of Horrors' is a family affair - #lakewoodnews

New York City's skid row is already a place people don't want to be, and that was before a man-eating plant set up shop there.

Seymour and Audrey know this truth better than most, but what at first seems like deliverance quickly turns to something else in cult favorite "Little Shop of Horrors."

Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's rock musical runs at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave. in Golden, July 15 through Aug. 21. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday.

"The show is really a black comedy take on a Faustian tale," said director Jamie Billings. "We wanted to bring a new, grittier version of the show to life for the audiences."

"Little Shop" tells the story of Seymour (Carter Edward Smith), a meek flower shop assistant who wants nothing more than to get out of skid row with Audrey (Jacquie Jo Billings), a co-worker with her own dreams of escape.

During a total eclipse, Seymour discovers a talking plant that feeds on human flesh and blood, with a plan to bring Seymour all the fame and recognition he desires. But when the plant's bloodlust starts to grow, it becomes obvious Seymour is in way over his head.

"Every actor has a dream role, and I've always had a special place in my heart for Seymour," Smith said. "It's been a great experience working on this character with these people, especially because Seymour just fits me."

One of the production's goals is to make the setting of skid row and all its grittiness come to life.

"It's OK to be brave and make things like this real," Jacquie Jo said. "What we're doing is different from other productions because we're going away from the more campy side and looking at the world these characters live in."

The production is a family affair for almost all involved. Jacquie Jo and Smith are longtime friends who have acted together several times before. And Jamie described it as a tribute to Jamie and Jacquie Jo's late mother, Brenda Billings. Brenda was also the Miners Alley artistic director.

Jamie and Jacqui Jo have another sister, Jessica, who also is helping backstage.

"I'm working with both my sisters on this production, and it's really magical to have them here for this," Jamie said. "I've found the joy in the process with my sisters by my side."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Little-Shop-of-Horrors-is-a-family-affair,226684?branding=15