For a second attempt.
After Echuca-Moama Theatre Company had to cancel last year’s production due to COVID-19 restrictions, the show has been re-scheduled for the end of May.
With a brand new cast.
“We had some cast members who weren’t able to commit this year so we held auditions for those roles on Friday and have come up with another great cast,” director Glen McFadden said.
“We had our first read through on Monday night and it's already sounding great.”
The cast of 12 will spend the next 15 weeks rehearsing in preparation to take to the stage at Echuca's Paramount Theatre on the last two weekends of May (May 21-23 and 28-29).
“It was wonderful to get going again after so much uncertainty,” Glen said.
“I think the cast feels the same way. We all feel very lucky that we are able to have the opportunity to put on this show.
“The fact we have a small cast will mean we can do some good stuff and we will be able to abide by restrictions if we need to.
“We are hopeful things can go according to plan this time and not have any surprises like last year.”
Based on the 1960 black comedy film, Little Shop tells the story of insecure and put-upon florist’s clerk Seymour (played by Darcy Elliott) who pines for co-worker Audrey (Tamara Cadd).
During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II (voiced by Gerard Oman and puppeteered by Jamison McFadden), which feeds only on human flesh and blood.
The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store.
However, after Seymour feeds Audrey’s egotistical dentist boyfriend, Orin (Ethan O’Brien), to the plant after his accidental death, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant.
As for the rest of the cast, street urchins are played by Lauren Douglas (Chiffon), Megan Scott (Crystal) and Harper Raverty (Ronette), while Mark Thomson plays flower shop owner Mr Mushnik.
The ensemble, who have minor roles, include Honni Goulding, Brigid Dullard, Amber Halliwell and Ivy Jensen.
‘‘I really love the 60s feel of the music and the retro style of the show that takes you back to the old days of a sci-fi movie at the theatre,’’ Glen said.
‘‘We hope we can capture that with this show. And maybe even get you to burst into song, as our cast will really knock your socks off.’’
For up-to-date information, follow EMTC- Echuca-Moama Theatre Company’s Facebook page.
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