LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Devours Burlington This Weekend

Need we say more? A picture (well, ok, a few) is worth a thousand words.

Little Shop of Horrors

Fogelberg Auditorium of Burlington High School

June 25 & 26

7:30 pm
$15/adults; $10 students and sr. citizens

Tickets available at the door

Info: 781-A-FUN-TIC

Hellooooo Baby! Feed me, Seymour!

Our first rehearsal with Audrey II...she doesn't look menacing but just wait! Zaven Ovian is the voice of Audrey II and Paul Neves is our puppeteer!

Little Shop of Horrors: Feed Me Burlington!

A "growing" version of Audrey II gettin' a little love from Shane Ryan who plays the role of Seymour Krelbourne in "Little Shop of Horrors"

Walking onto the stage of the Fogelberg Auditorium at Burlington High School could prove to be an earthy crunchy experience at the end of June when Audrey II, a man-eating plant, takes up residence for the Burlington Educational Summer Theatre’s (BEST) production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Performances will take place on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at 7:30 pm.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a high energy rock-and-roll spoof of ‘50s sci-fi movies. The creation of composer Alan Menken and librettist Howard Ashman (creative geniuses behind such blockbuster Disney productions as “Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin”), “Little Shop” is the story of a down and out, skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation, finding his chance at success and love with the help of a man-eating plant!

Featuring a small ensemble, the “Little Shop of Horrors” cast members are familiar faces on the Burlington High School stage. Shane Ryan plays the lead role of Seymour Krelborne and is joined by Katie Campbell as Audrey, the target of his silent affection. Chris Coe takes on the role of floral shop-owner Mr. Mushnik and is joined by Patrick Hanafin as evil dentist Orin Scrivello and Danielle Calder as Bernstein. Providing running commentary throughout the show are doo-wop rocker chicks Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette played by Jen Gregorio, Nicollette Moodie and Ariana Hall.

Stealing the show is Audrey II, who begins as a rather non-descript plant but after gaining its nourishment from human blood, grows to be well over six feet with a wingspan of over 12 feet, large enough to swallow humans in one gulp! (Audiences take note: this carnivorous species is created through the magic of puppetry.) Audrey II, the man-eating center of all the high energy action, comes to life with the voice of Zaven Ovian and puppet manipulation by Paul Neves.

Burlington Educational Summer Theatre is a summer program of the Burlington Public Schools that offers a professional educational theatre experience for students. The program is in its second year under the guidance of BEST Executive Director John Middleton-Cox, who is also Artistic and Co-Music Director for “Little Shop of Horrors.” Joining Middleton-Cox on the creative staff are BHS alumni Amanda Potts as Co-Music Director and Brad Jenson as Assistant Director and Choreographer. Returning to BEST this year are professional set designer Peter Waldron and award-winning costume designer Maureen Krebs.

“Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed in the 800-seat, air conditioned Fogelberg Auditorium of Burlington High School, located at 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington. Reserved seating tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens, and can be purchased at http://www.burlingtontickets.org/. For more information please call 781-A-FUN-TIC. Fogelberg Auditorium is handicapped accessible.

HONORS WILL ABOUND AT MUSIC AWARDS BANQUET

The BHS Music Department will hold its annual Spring Awards Banquet tomorrow night. An annual event, the banquet will honor every student in the chorus and band with presentations to the students by year of service.

Mr. Middleton-Cox and Mr. Lovell will preside over the evening. The 99 Restaurant, a favorite of all music students and families for their extreme generosity and great food, will provide the meal. Desserts will be provided by student families.

It has been an unbelievable year for the students and staff of the music department. Looking back on all the activities beginning with band camp, roaring through football season, Christmas performances, Titanic, Winter/Ides of March/Spring Concerts, Mr. Lovell's 25th anniversary tribute, DisneyWorld and Great East/Six Flags, our students have not had enough time to stand in one spot for longer than five minutes!

Professional photos of the band and chorus will be available at the banquet, including those from DisneyWorld (seen above). Prices range from $5-$10.

The BHS Music Boosters would like to take the time to thank the administration for all their support, our staff for their never-ending dedication and patience, and the parents who have given so many, many hours of their time to make this year so extremely memorable for one and all.

SPRING SING, the final BHS music performance

In the final public performance of the school year, the Burlington High School Music Department will present Spring Sing, a night filled with pop and musical theatre performances, on Wednesday, June 9, at 7:30 pm in the Fogelberg Auditorium of the high school.

Spring Sing promises to have something for everyone, showcasing the singing talents of the students in the BHS music department. In addition to featuring the BHS Chorus and Select Singers, Spring Sing is the only opportunity during the year for the students to present songs of their own choice, highlighting over 35 solo and ensemble performances.

For all the vocal music students, this is a performance they have been anticipating all year. Months of studying, vocalizing and perfecting diction come to a close on this evening. Their talents will entertain, amuse and awe.

Spring Sing is open to the public, admission is free.