News Detail

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MARCH 6, 2023) — The Williamsport Area High School music department is preparing for its annual musical production.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is set to hit the stage beginning at 7 p.m., Friday, March 17, with a matinee performance scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, March 18.

The musical explores the world of meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn who stumbles across a new, ravenous breed of plant he names “Audrey II” after his coworker crush. The carnivorous plant “promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it. … Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins” and penchant for global domination.

Among the cast and crew of about 50 students, the production stars William Ciabattari as Seymour, Alanna Ramos as Audrey, Ryan Griffin as Mr. Mushnik, Elijah Nilson as Orin Scrivello and Madeline Pennings as Audrey II’s Voice.

Directors Sam Robinson and Megan Louder, the high school’s choral instructors, said the cast and crew are excited to share their work with the community.

“This musical is a drastic change — musically and theatrically — from our production of ‘Into the Woods’ last year,” Robinson said. “Our cast is learning to navigate a dark, comedic story accompanied by music from the rock genre. I can’t wait to see the final product once all the forces of the production come together.”

One of the most exciting and unusual aspects of this year’s production, Robinson said, is the puppetry required for the man-eating plant, Audrey II.

“It has been fun to start rehearsing recently with that piece of the puzzle,” he said. “Audrey II is a crucial character of the show that is voiced by one student and controlled by another, which takes quite a bit of trial-and-error that has caused a tremendous amount of laughter during rehearsal. Those moments are what I think most of our students will remember once the show is over.”

Robinson and Louder said they hope audiences enjoy seeing the culmination of the cast and crew’s work over the past 10 weeks.

“Our students are incredibly busy with other clubs, sports, musical groups and daily academics, so it’s a real testament to their dedication to this show that they’ve made it happen for the community to enjoy. The show is a classic that will appeal to anyone. It’s funny, it’s tragic, it’s dark — all of it while you’re tapping your toe from a great musical score.”

Advanced tickets are on sale at the WAHS main office during school hours. Tickets also will be available at the door. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 students.

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