Local residents star in Olivet's production of "Little Shop of Horrors"

BOURBONNAIS, IL (02/07/2013)(readMedia)--  Olivet Nazarene University's upcoming production of "Little Shop of Horrors" showcases the talents of students from the Kankakee area:

• Alyssa Norden (Kankakee), a senior majoring in music education and vocal performance major, as Crystal

• Seth Lowery (Kankakee), a junior majoring in music performance, as Mushnik

• Ben Geeding (Manteno), a junior majoring in music ministry, as Seymour Krelborn

• Nicholas Allen (Kankakee), a sophomore majoring in multimedia studies, as Audrey II

• Wesley Taylor (Kankakee), a senior majoring in marketing, as the voice of Audrey II

Blending music and imagination, this musical is simultaneously charming, tuneful, creepy and hilarious. Show times are Thursday, February 21, 7 p.m.; Friday, February 22, 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 23, 2 and 7 p.m. at Kresge Auditorium in Larsen Fine Arts Center on Olivet's campus.

Telling the story of a down-and-out floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant, this musical is a spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies. When the plant grows into an ill-tempered, R&B-singing carnivore named Audrey II, it offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. Finally, the plant reveals itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, "Little Shop of Horrors" features a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken of Disney fame.

Also appearing in Olivet's production are: Taihla Eddins (Bloomington, Ill.) as Ronette; Ashley Sarver (Urbana, Ohio) as Chiffon; Lillian Guenseth (Galesburg, Ill.) as Audrey; and Mark Bishop, communication professor and ABC Chicago's weekend weather forecaster, performing in a variety of roles.

Directing the production are Jerry Cohagan, communication and theatre professor, assisted by Tessa Dattilo; Dr. Don Reddick, music department chair, as music director; Kay Welch, music professor, as vocal director; and Hannah Jacobson as choreographer.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 815-939-5110 or email lrutter@olivet.edu.

This production is part of the ONU Presents Community Series, sponsored by Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers; Riverside HealthCare; Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes; Piggush-Simoneau, Inc.; and OAK Orthopedics.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. - just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

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Contact:

Laura Warfel

Public Relations Specialist

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Ill.

www.olivet.edu

815-928-5403

lwwarfel@olivet.edu