The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria through Sunday, May 12. This iteration of the hit sci-fi comedy musical, with songs by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken, opened in late April.
The show’s director and choreographer, Keenon Hooks, in press materials described Little Shop of Horrors as a story that “continues to capture our hearts with its dark humor” and cited its various incarnations over the years, including Roger Corman’s original 1960 film, which inspired the stage musical, and the popular 1986 screen adaption of the musical starring Rick Moranis.
“We follow the journey of Seymour Krelborn, a guy who grew up with nothing and believes he also doesn’t have much worth,” Hooks said about the show’s plot, which follows Krelborn as he begins caring for a strange new plant at the flower shop he works at.
Alexander Pimentel plays Krelborn in the show, and Diva LaMarr voices the mysterious plant—with a horrific appetite for human blood—that brings him fame and fortune. Other cast members include Molly Dobbs, Billy Breed, George Walker, Brezae Weeks, Etasha Caston, Marisa Moenho, Michael Gould, and Andrew Missael Banderas.
Hooks said that the show’s theme of improving one’s self-worth makes some of the characters people “many of us can relate to,” especially in a post-pandemic world.
“We’ve all had doubts and questions when we were stuck, not being able to live our lives and pursue our dreams. But the worth is always inside us, even when we don’t get to show it,” Hooks said. “It takes time to find ourselves, and a lot of that time comes from our choices. Our choices define us, but what constitutes us to make the choices we make?
“You might surprisingly find a little bit of yourself onstage at times, and I urge you to embrace those feelings,” Hooks added. “I look forward to sharing this journey with you all, and hope it leaves you not just entertained but a better person who believes in their own values and self-worth.”
This summer, PCPA will hold outdoor performances of Little Shop of Horrors at the Solvang Festival Theater. The summer version will run Thursday, June 13, through Sunday, July 7.
For tickets and more info, call the PCPA box office at (805) 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.
