Citadel Theatre Company at 300 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest will open its 2022-23 on Sept 17 with LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, a beloved classic from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, based on the Roger Corman film of the same name. The show follows meek plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist boyfriend and the man-eating plant that threatens them and the world as we know it. The musical will be directed by Matthew Silar (MATILDA at The Firehouse Theatre, DADDY LONG LEGS at Awaken Theatre) with musical direction by Isabella Isherwood and choreography by Lexie Bailey. The musical will run from September 15 to October 16. Press opening is Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Leading the cast as Seymour, the flower shop employee who discovers the secret of the mysterious plant, is Sam Shankman, whose credits include the title role in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Drury Lane, as well as roles at Marriott Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Theater at the Center and many others. In the role of his co-worker and love interest Audrey is Danielle Pike, a native of Houston, Texas seen most recently in Chicago at the Annoyance Theatre. Seymour’s irascible employer Mr. Mushnik will be played by Alan Ball*, who has appeared on stage with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marriott, Goodman, ShawChicago and others; and on television in CHICAGO FIRE. The twisted dentist Orin is Philip C. Matthews*, who made his Chicagoland stage debut this past spring in Citadel’s PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE. Chicago director (Invictus’s A RAISIN IN THE SUN) and Jeff-nominated actor (Griffin’s BALM IN GILEAD) Aaron Reese Boseman will be the voice of the man-eating plant named Audrey 2, with puppeteer Michael Dias operating the life-size puppet of the carnivorous plant. Also in the cast are Ania Martin (Chiffon), Isis Elizabeth (Crystal), and Sabrina Edwards (Ronnette).
* Indicates member, Actors' Equity Association
Upper row L-R: Alan Ball, Aaron Reese Boseman, Michael Dias
Middle row L-R: Sabrina Edwards, Isis Elizabeth, Ania Martin
Lower row L-R: Philip C. Matthews. Danielle Pike, Sam Shankman
The production team will include Isabella Isherwood (Music Director), Lexie Bailey (Choreographer), Ellen Phelps (Production Manager), Jessica Greenhoe (Stage Manager), Eric Luchen (Set Designer), Cindy Moon (Costume Designer), Samuel Stephen (Lighting Designer), Jonesy Jones (Sound Designer), Courtney Abbott (Intimacy Choreographer), Jason Clark(Master Carpenter), David Geinosky (Scenic Artist), and Samantha Thielman (Run Crew).
Tickets are on sale now online at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1. Preview ticket prices $15. Regular run prices Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays $40; Saturdays and Sundays $45.00. Discounts available for groups, seniors and students. Season subscriptions are available for the full four-show season at $120.00 or as flex passes that can be used for the patron’s choice of three shows for $100.00 or two shows for $70.00. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale at www.citadeltheatre.org.
LISTING INFORMATION
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken
Directed by Matthew Silar
Music Direction by Isabelle Isherwood
Choreography by Lexie Bailey
Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, October 16, 2022
(Previews September 15 and 16 @ 7:30 pm)
PRESS OPENING Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 pm
Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinees at 3 pm. Additional performances Friday, September 30 at 7:30 pm, Saturdays on September 24 and October 8 at 2 pm, Wednesdays September 28 and October 12 at 1 pm.
Preview ticket prices $15. Regular run prices Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays $40; Saturdays and Sundays $45.00. Discounts available for groups, seniors and students.
Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL
Tickets available online at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1
Based on the 1960 film by Roger Corman and featuring a book by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Ashman, LITTLE SHOP follows meek plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist of a boyfriend and the man-eating plant that threatens them and the world as we know it.
Matthew Silar (Director) is a Chicago-based, Texas-loving, California born theatre artist and educator. Matt has worked professionally as a college audition coach, director, stage manager and actor in both the Chicagoland and DFW theatre communities. He is the co-founder of 24 HR Musical, a non-profit that partnered with charitable organizations to create global change through the arts. His theatre company, Awaken Theatre, opened its inaugural production in June of 2021. Favorite directorial credits include Kate Fodor’s 100 SAINTS YOU SHOULD KNOW, Lee Blessing’s TWO ROOMS, DADDY LONG LEGS, DISNEY’S NEWSIES, DISNEY’S TARZAN, LES MISERABLES, and INTO THE WOODS.
Scott Phelps (Artistic Director) is in his 21st year as the Artistic Director at Citadel. He’s acted in and directed dozens of Citadel productions over the last decade and a half since founding this North Shore theatre in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. He has acted/directed in NYC, and in his home state of California, trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, received his BFA from the University of Utah, and did an apprenticeship at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in KY. For 18 years Scott worked for a promotional company and raised his three daughters and his son in Lake Forest. Recently he has been taking on the next chapter of his life — the role of “Grandpa”. Although he is unsure if he is old enough to play that part, he’s been enjoying the challenge.
Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland’s premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for nearly 20 years. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances, its On Tour programs, and its theatre acting classes for children. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to donate, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.org or call 847.735.8554.