James Clemens actors cast for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

MADISON – Auditions are over, and James Clemens Theatre has announced its cast for the spring musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.”

James Clemens Theatre will present “Little Shop of Horrors” for its spring musical. (CONTRIBUTED)

The basis for the musical was Roger Corman’s 1960 ‘grade-B’ comedy/horror movie of the same name. The film includes Hollywood newcomer, Jack Nicholson.

Derek Santiago and Mackenzie Browne have been cast in lead roles as Seymour and Audrey. Kayla Braxton, Madison Johnson and Kylie Thorum will portray the Skid Row Girls.

Samuel Sandstrom will perform the role of shop owner Mr. Mushnik. Joe Williams has been cast as Orin Scrivello. Walter Ruffin will provide the voice of the plant.

Composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman transformed the black comedy into a rock musical. As an employee in Mr. Mushnik’s flower shop, Seymour raises a hungry, carnivorous plant. True to the early 1960s, music in the show includes the title chart, “Skid Row (Downtown),” “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Suddenly, Seymour.”

Ensemble members are Abigayle Williams, Kyric Jobb, Marcus Patten, Antonio Frisby, Erica Hadaway, Skyler Mittman, Emma Boudreaux, Tori Korte, Chandler Davidson, Matt Kucera, Sam Whitaker, Chase Clemmons, Emily Wittig, Amanda Jackson, Kyle Mayfield, Montoi Bulls, Morgan McDaniels, Abby Murray, Priscila Santiago, Trey Buis, Abbie Chatelain, Becky Frotos, Grace Cathey, Jessi Hicks, Alonda Veniszee, Isabelle Hudson, Abbi Layman, Jessica Russ, Samantha Porter, Thomas Casez and Cam Boyd.

Amy Pugh Patel is directing “Little Shop of Horrors” and is assisted by Mason Overcash. Patel and Overcash are drama teachers at James Clemens. Band and choir director Stuart Tankesley is serving as music director and is assisted by Newt Johnson.

Student directors are Nadia Harden, Lexi Mecikalski and Taylor Benson. Lauren Harksen is working as student choreographer.

Show dates for “Little Shop of Horrors” will be April 30 through May 2, 2014.