Little Shop of Horrors, a deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, has captivated the hearts of theatre goers for decades and one Cowra man has a part to play regionally.
This 80s cult classic is taking over the stage at the Parkes Little Theatre, opening this Friday night and held over three weekends.
Cowra musician Andrew Hall is a member of the band supporting the show put on by the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society, performing on the trumpet.
The production follows the meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn as he stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush.
This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD.
Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out-of-this-world origins and intent towards global domination!
Andrew has been involved with the Parkes M&D since 2019, joining for its production of Anne of Green Gables, and has had a very impressive musical journey.
"My dad taught me to play the trumpet when I was seven," he says in the M&D's 'Meet the band' segment.
"I've spent 12 months studying music at the Sydney Conservatorium and have played at venues including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall, Disneyland California, Pier 39 San Francisco and on board the USS Anchorage in San Diego."
More recently he has stepped up to take on the role of musical director of the Cowra and Grenfell Town Bands and is a founding member of the Parkes-based Subtonic Fusion.
"I enjoy the challenge of the level of music that the M&D productions provide, but overall I feel privileged to get to work with great musicians in the M&D to produce high quality music," Andrew said.
"Little Shop of Horrors is no exception!"
This production is the second directorial role for Parkes M&D member Hannah Symonds, who's from Bedgerabong and has more than 20 years of theatrical experience, gracing the Parkes stage as Elphaba in the 2021 production of Wicked.
Hannah has a great passion for the performing arts and is thrilled to able to share her passion with the youth of Forbes by teaching after school singing and drama classes within the region.
Little Shop of Horrors has a fantastic cast, band and crew consisting of 36 talented performers and support crew residing in Parkes, Forbes, Bedgerabong, Cowra and surrounding areas.
The band is led by the incredible Kirsty Cairney, Head of Creative and Performing Arts at Red Bend Catholic College, and Anthony Leonard.
This production has a wide range of musical numbers including the 1920s style “Dentist”, rock and roll hit “Get It”, to the Jewish Bottle Dancing number “Mushnik and Sons”.
“I am very blessed to be working with so many talented individuals and together we have created a truly incredible production which will warm the hearts of our audience," director Hannah Symonds said.
"We are thrilled to be bringing this popular 1980s horror comedy rock musical to the stage of Parkes which is filled with laughter, romance and dramatic suspension, including a life-size human eating plant that will surely have you watching in awe.
"Our talented puppeteers will bring Audrey II to life and have you sitting on the edge of your seats as you watch her mischievous antics throughout the show.
"It is truly an honour to bring this production to life, and I cannot wait for everyone to see this masterpiece on the stage.”
Opening night is Friday, 17 October and the show runs over three horrifying weekends, until Sunday, 2 November.
Tickets can be purchased through the Parkes M&D website: www.parkesmandd.com.au.