On Stage Productions in West Columbia is opening its 2015-2016 season with a show that’s larger than life. Well, one character will be larger than life for sure. The theater will be opening its production of “Little Shop of Horrors” Saturday, September 18th.
We follow the story of Seymour, a mild-mannered flower shop assistant who secretly pines for his coworker Audrey. During a solar eclipse, Seymour discovers a new plant species that takes in the most shocking plant food. This plant saves the flower shop’s business, but it isn’t satisfied to stop there!
Robert Harrelson, the executive director and president of On Stage Productions, is no stranger to the stage. His story on the stage began in high school and even led him to New York City, where he owned a theater company and directed several Off-Broadway shows. Harrelson currently teaches in Lexington District One and devotes his spare time to On Stage Productions, his vision for a nonprofit community theater.
We caught up with Harrelson for a few questions on the upcoming “Little Shop of Horrors”.
- How long have you guys been working on this particular production? In general, how long does it take to put a show together?
We have been working on this production for 8 weeks. It normally only takes six weeks for a musical, [but] with the intricacies of adding puppets to the show, it adds another dimension.
- What can we expect to see in this show? Is it going to be very close to the storyline of the movie?
The movie and the stage version are quite the same but have a slightly different twist [to the] ending. The musical is very upbeat. It really makes you laugh and feel for the characters.
- What are you hoping your audiences will take away from the show?
One thing I hope they take away from this production is that live theater has a whole new dimension. When you have puppeteers and actors playing off of each other, there are truly great experiences for the actors and the audience as well. This show will transform the audience into a 3D experience as the final curtain descends. The amazing Audrey 2 was built by Matt and Carrie Marks. This show promises to be a show you’ll want to see again and again. It will make you wonder more about when you are feeding the plants when you should be weeding!
Bring your twisted sense of humor and curiosity to On Stage Productions for the next two weekends!
On Stage Productions
680 Cherokee Lane West Columbia, S.C.
Performance dates : September 18 ,19, 20, 24 , 25, 26, 27
Thursday 7:30pm
Fridays 7:30 pm
Saturdays 2:30 pm and 7:30pm
Sunday 2:30 pm
Tickets available at www.onstagesc.com
Adults: $19
Seniors/Students/Military: $17
Youth: $15