By Susan Breedlove and Christopher Michael
A Comedy Horror Musical
Henry Drama Club presents Little Shop of Horrors
March 23 and 24 at 7 p.m., and March 25 at 1 p.m.
Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror musical set in a run-down, failing flower shop in a downtrodden, downtown neighborhood called “Skid Row.” When Seymour, a nerdy misfit employee of Mushnik’s Flower Shop, finds a “strange and unusual plant,” he affectionately names it Audrey 2 after his coworker and love interest, and puts it in the shop window, it draws in customers. But it soon wilts because Seymour cannot figure out what to feed it, until he pricks his finger on the thorn of a rose and discovers the plant is thirsty for blood. As the plant grows larger and larger, so does the business and the plant’s appetite.
Little Shop of Horrors has singing, dancing and puppetry. All of the Audrey 2 puppets were created by local puppet artist Chris Lutter-Gardella, whose work appears at Holidazzle, the May-Day Parade, and many other events and places throughout the Twin Cities.
The musical is based on the 1960s movie Little Shop of Horrors and includes some songs from the movie including Suddenly Seymour and Somewhere That’s Green. (Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken; based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith.)
The Henry High production is directed by Christopher Michael, music director Tracey Collins, choreography by Tamiko French, and performed by the fabulous drama students at Henry #whatsmyname High School.
Don’t miss it! March 23 and 24 at 7 p.m., and March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Henry auditorium, 4320 Newton. Find all kinds of info about the play and cast, and ticket info at onthestage.tickets/show/henry-drama-club/.
Still I Rise
Henry High continues with “Still I Rise – Celebrating the Black Women Who Serve Henry High Students.” Stories of many of these 30 staff members are being put on the Henry High website, told in morning announcements and will be posted on a bulletin board on floor #1. “Unless Black history is taught throughout the year, it perpetuates an “othering” of Black Lives and Black students, and is also a manifestation of anti-blackness. Ensuring the ongoing integration of Black history and experiences throughout all curriculum is imperative as educators continue to uplift every student and reinforce that Black Lives Matter every day.” From the Center for Racial Justice in Education.