LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS to Open 5/30 at Costa Mesa Playhouse

What happens when urban Skid Row is introduced to a strange and unusual plant with a unique appetite? The Costa Mesa Playhouse presents the classic horror rock musical "Little Shop of Horrors," running May 30 through June 29, 2014.

In this camp rock musical comedy based on Roger Corman's cult 1960 horror film, a nerdish florist strives for success and romance with the help a giant plant that demands to be fed -- with human blood.

Created by writer Howard Ashman and composer by Alan Menken, known for Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin," this charmingly tongue-in-cheek comedy opened in 1982 and became one of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows in history. It has been produced at theaters around the world.

Stephen Hulsey is director and musical director. Jason Holland plays nerdish florist Seymour Krelbourn and Katie Nicol is the love of his life Audrey. They are supported by Tony Sanchez, Rich Wordes, Andrea Dennison-Laufer, Nyquita Wilson, Michelle Hernandez, Dalisa Krauss and Linzey Christy, with Paul-Dean Martin and Roy Davis as the voice and body of "Audrey II."

To start the musical, Seymour, one of the co-workers at Mushnik's Skid Row Florists, obtains a mysterious Venus flytrap-like plant that seems to be dying in its environment. Soon, the cranky owner, Mr. Mushnik, discovers that the plant thrives on human blood. After allowing the plant to drink some blood from his cut finger, the plant grows large enough to become a public attraction.

Performances:

Preview: Friday, May 30 (Tickets: $16)

Opening Night: Saturday, May 31 (Tickets: $18 - $20)

Regular Run: Friday & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (Tickets: $16 - $18)

Groups of 10 or more: $13 per ticket

For information and reservations, call (949) 650-5269 or go to www.CostaMesaPlayhouse.com. The Costa Mesa Playhouse is located at 661 Hamilton Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

ABOUT THE COSTA MESA PLAYHOUSE: The Costa Mesa Playhouse is a 73-seat, not-for-profit theater that has been serving the Orange County community for nearly five decades. The Playhouse is dedicated to presenting affordable, quality, live theater in a comfortable and intimate setting, and to offering actors, singers, dancers, and stage craftspeople a welcoming environment in which to practice their craft. The Playhouse offers a diverse five-play season that runs from August through June and includes notable musicals, comedies and dramas. Located on the campus of Rea School, the Costa Mesa Playhouse receives no monetary support from the city or school district. All revenues come from ticket sales, subscriptions, and the generous donations of patrons, and are directed back into the productions at the Playhouse and toward general operating costs.