Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2017) –The theatre arts program at California Baptist University is bringing comedy and music to the Wallace Theatre this weekend with “Little Shop of Horrors,” which opens its 2017-18 season.

A Broadway and Hollywood smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” has resonated with theatre-goers for more than 30 years. The meek floral assistant, Seymour, stumbles across a new breed of plant he names Audrey II – after his beautiful co-worker. The R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to Seymour as long as he keeps feeding it.

The musical spoofs science-fiction movies, B-movies and musical theatre, said Lisa Lyons, adjunct professor of theatre and the play’s director.

“It’s over-the-top, comedically played. It’s about a plant who wants to take over the world,” Lyons said. “It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s popular. The kids like it. The music is just fabulous.”

Julie Ann Oleson, a theatre junior, said both the biggest challenge and the best part of her role as Audrey is the opportunity to portray the iconic character.

“I hope the audience gets the fun, sweet nature of this play,” Oleson said.

Ryan Lee, a comedic arts freshman, plays Seymour, a mild-mannered young man who gets coaxed into feeding the man-eating plant.

“The biggest challenge of playing this role is being able to show Seymour's complete emotional and physical transformation throughout the show,” Lee said. “I really hope the audience falls in love with the show. It's so funny and interesting, the music is amazing and the story is incredibly unique.”

When: Oct. 13-14, Oct. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 14, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504

Tickets or questions? Call the theatre box office at 951- 343-4319 or email: mhyde@calbaptist.edu