Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT

By: Apr. 28, 2010
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In response to sold-out shows and rave reviews from both critics and patrons, Performance Network's production of "Little Shop of Horrors" with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken has been extended through May 16th, 2010. This zany comedy stars broadway veteran Naz Edwards, Jason Richards, Aaron Moore, BJ Love and Courtney Myers. It is directed by Performance Network Executive Director, Carla Milarch, with musical direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is based on the 1960 cult film about a floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation by discovering an unusual plant. Catchy tunes, comic book creepiness and an R&B singing plant from outer space make this the don't-miss musical of the season! Critics are calling the show "outstanding," "innovative" and an "all-time favorite!"

Director Carla Milarch said "We knew from the beginning that we had something special on our hands with this production. Actors of Broadway quality paired with a hilarious script and memorable music have brought an amazing energy to the PNT stage. Audiences are responding with raves and repeat attendance - coming back 2 or even 3 times! Now, we can't wait to share the joy of this show with even more people through the extended run!"

Weekly performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm, with a 3pm matinee on Saturday May 1st.

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at
www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance. Tickets are priced at $28 - $44, with discounts available for seniors, members, students, groups of 10 or more, and those under the age of 16.

"Little Shop of Horrors" features set, costume and properties design by Monika Essen, lighting design by Justin Lang, sound design by Ken Faulk and choreography by Phil Simmons.

This production is generously underwritten by Zingerman's Community of Businesses, with media sponsorship by Michigan Radio.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Naz Edwards starred on Broadway opposite Anthony Quinn in Zorba (as The Leader) and continued with Quinn on the Zorba national tour, for which her work won critical acclaim. Naz's Broadway credits also include the role of Dunyasha in the musical adaptation of Anna Karenina at Circle in the Square. She has graced the stages of many theatres across the United States and Canada, among which some of her favorites roles are Madame Giry in Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera, the role of Mahiette in Dennis De Young's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Baker's Wife and Carnival. Naz starred in Funny Girl with Stephanie Block, Fiddler and Once Upon a Mattress all at Music Theatre Of Wichita.
Here is Michigan, Naz was seen at the JET Theatre in Side by Side by Sondheim, Coming of Age and this season's The Blank Page. She has appeared at Performance Network in Man of la Mancha, She Loves Me, The Clean House and Souvenir. Along with her passion for the theatre, Naz loves voice animation. One of her favorite characters in the wicked Queen Beryl from the cult cartoon Sailor Moon.

Jason Richards was last seen at Performance Network as Matt in 2007's The Fantasticks. A graduate of Wayne State University, Jason Made his professional debut as Mikey in the long running hit Shear Madness at the Gem Theatre and has since had the pleasure of working on many of Michigan's stages. Other favorite roles include Charlie Brown in You're A Good Man... (Meadow Brook), Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show (Meadow Brook Music Festival), Dave Bullanski in Joe Zettelmaier's All Childish Things (Boarshead), two years with the Gem Theatre's hit production of A Forbidden Broadway Christmas, and Eugene Jerome in all three parts of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach trilogy (JET and Meadow Brook).

Courtney Myers began acting at an early age with Jackson Civic Theater. This year marks Courtney's 20th year doing theater in Michigan. As an Associate Artist with The Blackbird Theater in Ann Arbor she has been seen in Orpheus Descending (Carol), The Glob (Maxine), A Period of Adjustment (Isabelle), The Rainbow (Sister), Betrayal (Emma), Hamlet (Horatio), and The Old Neighborhood (Jolly). Other recent productions include I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change, and Almost Maine at The Tipping Point Theater in Northville.

Aaron T. Moore, who is originally from Lincoln, NE, received his MFA in Acting from the Hilberry Repertory Theatre in May 2005. Since then he's been blessed to work with many talented people via various local Michigan theatres, including Breathe Art, Tipping Point Theatre, Meadowbrook Theatre, the Performance Network, Flanders Theatre Company, Williamston Theatre, Michigan Opera Theatre, Jewish Ensemble Theatre, and in a collection of roles at Greenfield Village.

Photo credit: Peter Smith

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT
Jason Richards, Courtney Myers

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT
Jason Richards, Naz Edwards

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT
Sharon Brooks, Diviin Huff, Shariesse Hamilton, B. J. Love

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT
Aaron T. Moore, Jason Richards

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT
Courtney Myers, Jason Richards, Aaron T. Moore, B. J. Love

Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP Extended At PNT



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