Hazelton Secondary School Drama Program’s presentation of one of the longest running off-Broadway musicals Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman & Alan Menken is about a meek young man who names a strange and interesting new plant after his long-time crush, only to discover that the plant has a fondness for blood and world domination.
Presentations are happening 7 p.m. each evening of Jan. 26, 27, 30, 31 (Sat/Sun; Wed/Thurs) at Hazelton Secondary School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
This is the second time Hazelton Secondary School has produced Little Shop of Horrors. Drama teacher and director Barb Janze remembers helping the music teacher and director Patrick Delaney with the musical in 1997.
“I was just finished my theatre degree and had a lot of fun with Patrick and the cast and crew.”
One very special fact about this year’s production is that the daughter of one of the 1997 cast members is playing the exact same part her mother did 22 years ago.
This year’s cast and crew have been working very hard to produce another great musical for the communities of the Upper Skeena.
“We have students involved from most of the communities on Gitxsan territory: from Kispiox all the way out to Gitanyow. We have received lots of help with costumes, props, and the puppets from a great network of Drama teachers in our Northwest zone, and a number of amazing community members,” said Janze.
Janze decided to double cast the musical this year so that more students had the opportunity to be on stage. Overall there will be three casts: opening night will have one cast; Sunday night will have a slightly different cast; and then Wednesday and Thursday night will have another cast playing the lead roles.
“I hope everyone in our community takes time to come to the musical at least one night, but because of the two casts I really recommend people try to go to two nights. We don’t get entertainment in our community like this regularly and I know the audience will not only enjoy themselves, but be very impressed. The students have worked very hard and I hope that all their efforts will be honoured with a full house every night. There are still lots of tickets available but please get yours before it is too late,” she said.
Ticket sales have picked up in this last week with opening night and closing night being the most popular. There will be a concession at intermission as well as t-shirts for sale. There is just a little harsh language and a physical altercation so Janze recommends that it may not be suitable for really young children. At the same time, kids, parents, and grandparents alike will really enjoy the puppetry, the characters, the set, and the story. Parents can call her if they would like to know more.
Tickets available in advance at Geraco, Gitanmaax Food & Fuel; Mercedes Beans & Model Teas, Bulkley Valley Credit Union and Hazelton Secondary School Office. They will also be available at the door if tickets aren’t sold out in advance.
Janze can be reached at Barbara.janze@cmsd.bc.ca, 250-842-5214 ext. 3178, or 250-842-8299.
–Submitted article.
