The 2011 Earle Page College Musical is on this week at the University of New England’s A1 Arts Theatre. The black comedy ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is being brought to the local stage by over 50 college students with a true sense of fun and a public promise that the show will entertain all ages. The annual musical is a long-running tradition and is part of the cultural heritage of UNE.
Musical or ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ fans will have to get in quickly, with only three shows being staged – at 7.30pm this Friday and Saturday and an 11am matinee on Thursday.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, ‘Skid Row (Downtown)’, ‘Somewhere that’s Green’, and ‘Suddenly, Seymour’.
In addition to the original long-running 1982 off-Broadway production and subsequent Broadway production, the musical has been performed all over the world. Because of its small cast and relatively simple orchestrations, it has become popular with community theatre, school and other amateur groups. The musical was also made into a 1986 film of the same name, directed by Frank Oz.
“This is the 38th Earle Page College Musical. It allows students from a broad range of academic disciplines to enjoy a creative outlet. We’ve got law, science and economics students performing with theatre students,” said Director, Mitchell Stewart. “It is also another way that we, as college students, can connect with the local community and entertain them. UNE students do more than study, party and play sport.”
The Earle Page College musicals are 100 per cent student productions. In this case, they are the cast, costume designers, the six-piece band, the back stage crew (including lighting and sound), the producers and director. They drove a truck to Sydney to source the invaluable props, namely the monstrous plant and the dentist’s chair.
A great deal of rehearsing has gone into the production. Cast members have described their roles as challenging but rewarding experiences. From character-rich costumes to frivolous tunes, the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ also stocks a high fun factor for both the performers and the audience.
Tickets can be purchased at Dymocks, Armidale or at the door.
Story: Gary Fry
