Sierra Stages' LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Begins Performances This Week

Sierra Stages will present The Devilishly delightful hit musical "Little Shop of Horrors" beginning this week (July 14) and playing for four weekends only through August 6 at the historic Nevada Theatre in Nevada City. This is the eighth annual summer production by the Nevada County nonprofessional theatre, and promises to be as much fun as last summer's nearly sold-out production of "The Producers".

The story of "Little Shop of Horrors" is thoroughly engaging and maintains its relevance today: Seymour, a down-and-out floral assistant who longs to get the girl of his dreams and escape life on skid row, becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant that offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. On the surface the show is a totally enjoyable, entertaining, popular musical comedy that makes fun of 1950's America (including its B-movie horror and science fiction films), while underneath there lurks a strong morality tale about the consequences of giving into temptation. The music by Alan Menken is an amalgam of Broadway and 60s rock and roll, with clever twists and turns; and the lyrics by Howard Ashman are straight forward and accessible.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is one of the most popular musicals of all time. It debuted off-Broadway in 1982 and ran for five years, was made into a popular and memorable film (starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin) in 1986, premiered on Broadway in 2003, and has received thousands of professional and amateur productions throughout the world over the past 35 years. The Sierra Stages production is directed by Robert Rossman, with musical direction by Ken Getz. The set and lighting design is by Erin Beatie and the costume design is by Jill Kelly. The cast includes Nevada County actors Jay Barker, Audrey Delgado, Nancy Haffey, Jackie Kolenko, JR Lewis, Ken Miele, Tracy Nickle, Conor Nolan, and Kim Wellman. The cast is accompanied by theatre orchestra consisting of 13 Nevada County musicians.

Performances of "Little Shop of Horrors" begin this week and continue through August 6 on Thursdays at 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. The first two performances on July 14 and 15 are lower-priced "previews" with $15 General Admission. For all other performances, General Admission is $28. For Audience members who prefer to select specific seat locations in advance, $35 Reserved Seating is available for all performances. General Admission and Reserved Seating tickets may be purchased online at www.SierraStages.org with no fees of any kind. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Sierra Stages at 530.346.3210 and at the door beginning one hour before each performance (subject to availability). $15 Student Rush tickets are also available at the door beginning ½ hour before each performance (subject to availability) for students age 25 and under with a valid student ID.

Sierra Stages is a tax-exempt nonprofit community theatre based in western Nevada County with a mission to provide quality productions that are affordable and accessible to everyone. Since it began in 2008, Sierra Stages has presented 28 plays and musicals and has been recognized by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance with six Elly Awards and 53 Elly Award nominations. The annual Elly Awards honor outstanding achievements of community theatres and artists in the greater Sacramento area. For more information about Sierra Stages, visit www.SierraStages.org.