'That's So Raven' Star Anneliese van der Pol to Lead LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Sharon Playhouse

Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, will present TV's Disney Channel star of "That's So Raven" Anneliese Van Der Pol as Audrey in the award-winning musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors on the Mainstage from August 13-30.

Little Shop of Horrors also stars Ryan Vona (Once) as Seymour, Ira Denmark as Mr. Mushnik, Tatiana Lofton as Crystal, Carla Stewart (Ronnette), Ashley McManus (Chiffon), Daniel PatRick Smith as Orin, and Brandon Nase as the Voice of Audrey II.

Jennifer Werner (The Book of Mormon) directs and choreographs, with music direction by Eric Kang. The creative team includes Josh Smith (scenic design), Michelle Eden Humphrey (costume design), Craig Stelzenmuller (lighting design), and Brad Berridge (sound design). Kat Rother is production stage manager. Geoff Josselson is casting director.

A delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of audiences for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world. This affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies centers on a down-and out skid row floral shop employee who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving.

Anneliese Van Der Pol made her Broadway debut in 2007 as the final Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. She starred for six years and in 100 episodes of the highly successful Disney Channel show That's So Raven as Chelsea Daniels. Other theatre credits include; Emma in Jane Austen's Emma (Arizona Theatre Company) Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Prism Theatricals) Esther in Meet Me in St. Louis (TUTS) Marian in The Heiress (Pasadena Playhouse) Kathy in Vanities (Second Stage) and Eva Peron in Evita (Buena Park Civic Theatre) Anneliese had recorded numerous songs for Sony and Disney records and was lucky enough to film the movie, Vampires Suck in Shreveport LA.

About the Sharon Playhouse:

The Sharon Playhouse is located at the foot of the Berkshires in idyllic Sharon, CT, and just a few minutes from the Metro North (Wassaic) train station. Performances of Little Shop of Horrors are Wednesday throughSunday (performance times vary). Tickets and more information are available by calling (860) 364-SHOW (7469) or visiting www.sharonplayhouse.org.

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