Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors is a wildly entertaining musical comedy that blends rock ’n’ roll, dark humor, and heart. Set in a struggling flower shop, the story follows an awkward employee whose discovery of a mysterious plant promises fame, fortune, and romance, but at an unexpected cost. Packed with catchy songs, quirky characters, and over-the-top fun, Little Shop of Horrors is a cult-classic musical that explores ambition, temptation, and the dangers of getting everything you wish for.
Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery
Directors Note
Welcome to Little Shop of Horrors—the only musical where your favorite character might be a bloodthirsty houseplant. This show has been a wild, hilarious, and oddly heartwarming journey. Beneath the campy horror, catchy tunes, and increasingly questionable life choices lies a story about longing: for love, for success, for something better. Of course, in true musical theatre fashion, things escalate from “I want a promotion” to “I’m feeding people to a giant alien plant” in record time. Working with this cast and crew has been nothing short of a joy (and occasionally a mild panic attack — looking at you, puppet logistics). Every performer, designer, and technician has poured heart, soul, and probably a little fake blood into this production, and I couldn’t be more proud of the strange and wonderful garden we’ve grown together.So sit back, enjoy the music, laugh at the absurdity, and maybe — just maybe — think twice before buying that suspicious-looking plant at your local nursery.Thank you for supporting live theatre. It’s people like you who keep it thriving… unlike some of our characters.
With love, horror, and a few questionable moral choices,
Baron Cooper
Who’s Who?
Ashlyn Chavez
Chiffon, is stepping out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight for the very first time with Ashe County Little Theatre—and honestly, she’s just as surprised as you are! Usually found wrangling wires, calling cues, or yelling “Places!” from backstage, Ashlyn decided it was time to trade her headset for a script and show off her acting (and maybe her jazz hands). Her recent behind-the-scenes credits include Snake in the Garden, Peter Pan, and directing Into the Woods. She’s thrilled—and only slightly terrified—to be part of this fantastic cast and thanks everyone who convinced her this was a good idea!
Olivia Cooper
Crystal, is thrilled to be in this production of Little Shop of Horrors! Olivia has been active in community theatre for 11 years. She was previously seen as Belle in ACLT’s A Christmas Carol and as a Mersister in The Little Mermaid with Wilkes Playmakers, as well as many other performances across local stages. She loves being involved with all aspects of theatre. Outside of theatre, she enjoys art, being outside, and reading. She’s looking forward to attending Meredith College in the fall, but will miss being part of her home-theatre and everyone here.
Cassondra Greer
Ronnette, is delighted to be back on stage with this amazing cast. She has been involved with the ACLT for several years including roles as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, and Claire in Proof. Cassondra is an Ashe County native with a lifelong passion for theatre. When she’s not on the stage she can usually be found taking photos or hanging out with her two sons. She would like to thank the ACLT cast and crew for their tireless dedication and commitment and would also like to say a special thank you to her partner Jason for his love and support.
Hunter Hogg
Audrey II, tstarted his acting journey at ACHS, playing Benedict in Much Ado About Nothing, and John Proctor in The Crucible. In 2019, he made his debut with ACLT when he played Bastien Andre in Is He Dead?. You may have seen him play more recent characters such as B Flat in Second Samuel, Derek in Ripcord, or Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein.
Stephen Banks,
Puppeteer, is happy to be back on stage with ACLT as a puppeteer! You may also have seen him in previous ACLT shows including Who’s on First, Dracula, and Fiddler on the Roof. He would like to express his admiration for this entire cast and crew, and his immense gratitude to everyone who comes to see this production. Sit back, enjoy the show–and don’t feed the plants!
Jax Barham
Orin Scrivello, DDS, is delighted to be performing in his first show with Ashe County Little Theatre. Former credits include Orcus in She Kills Monsters with Western Carolina University, Tully Mars in Escape to Margaritaville with Theatre Alliance of Winston Salem, and Michael in God of Carnage with the Oconaluftee Little Symphony.
Ben Matheson
Puppeteer, is so excited to be working on this show with the ACLT. Ben has helped with the backstage operations of a few shows. Some of his favorites include Young Frankenstein and Rip Cord. His favorite part of volunteering is seeing how each show comes together. Ben is very excited for you to see our summer musical and hopes you enjoy it as much as he is.
Modio Chavez
Seymour, is excited to make his debut at Ashe County Little Theatre as Seymour! Taking the stage for the first time here, Modio is thrilled (and maybe a little nervous) to bring this quirky, lovable character to life. When he’s not practicing his plant-feeding techniques or dodging dental tools, he’s working hard to entertain and connect with the audience. Modio sends big thanks to the cast, crew, and anyone who’s ever sung “Suddenly Seymour” in the shower. Enjoy the show!
Baron Cooper
Director, returns to the director’s chair for his second musical, having previously helmed Ashe County Little Theatre’s Young Frankenstein. His directorial portfolio also includes Angel Street, Frankenstein, and Murder by Poe. Audiences may also recognize Baron from his acting roles in productions like Dracula, Bus Stop, The Addams Family, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, to name a few. A versatile artist, Baron has contributed to numerous regional theaters as both an actor and a lighting designer. When not immersed in the world of theatre, he enjoys the creative outlets of 3-D printing and the adventure of whitewater kayaking with his daughter, Olivia. Baron wishes to express his sincere appreciation to his family, the cast, and the crew for their unwavering support.
Michael L. Howell
Mr. Muschnik, is excited to be performing in a third musical with ACLT. You may recognize him from recent shows including Who’s on First (Don), Dracula (Renfield), Second Samuel (June Cline), and Ripcord (Scotty). He’s thrilled to be in this show with friends from past shows (most recently Cassondra and Stephen from WOF) and with the actors performing for the first time with ACLT. He thanks the phenomenal cast, crew, and production staff--who are all crazy fun to work with--for all the hard work they have put into LSOH. Mike also thanks the audience for supporting ACLT by coming to the shows!
Parker Dula
Music Director, has spent the last several weeks trying to get everyone to sing in the same key, at the same time — a heroic feat that deserves at least a Tony nomination, or a nap. When not conducting chaos (musical and otherwise), Parker enjoys wondering why everyone thinks “cut time” means “cut corners.” He didn’t submit a bio on time, but considering he’s been buried under stacks of sheet music and passive-aggressive metronome clicks, we’ll let it slide. This time.
Jill Gambill
Audrey, has been active in ACLT since 2000. She has participated in more than 30 shows, including South Pacific as Nellie Forbush, The Mountain In Us where she portrayed her 6th great grandmother, and Matilda the Musical as The Trunchbull. She was most recently seen in the play Dracula as a Vampiress and Charlotte the maid. Many thanks to a wonderful cast and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Rebecca Williams
Producer, has been onstage, directed and enjoys creating costumes. Her day job is the Program Director for the Ashe County Arts Council. Rebecca lives in West Jefferson with her husband, Jim.
Cynthia Harless
Choreographer, was far too busy counting 5-6-7-8s and trying to teach people with two left feet how to jazz square to write a bio. But trust us — every sassy hip pop and dramatic finger snap you see tonight is thanks to their blood, sweat, and an alarming amount of caffeine. If you mess up a step, they will notice. And silently judge.
Angelica (Geli) Hogg
Stage Manager, began acting with ACLT since 2012, and started her stage managing journey 9 years ago. You may have recently seen Geli onstage as Ruby in Second Samuel, as an ensemble member in Young Frankenstein, or as many other roles and ensemble members over the years. She thoroughly enjoys working backstage, and has recently stage managed for shows such as Ripcord, Matilda, and Is He Dead?. She hopes you enjoy this zany musical!
Production Staff
Director: Baron Cooper
Producer: Rebecca Williams
Stage Manager: Geli Hogg
Choreographer: Cynthia Harless
Music Director: Parker Dula
Orchestra Director: Parker Dula
Orchestra Manager: Mary Silver
Accompanist: Sylvia Zahner
Costume Design: Rebecca Williams
Costume Crew: Rebecca Williams, Paula Joines, Jill Gambill
Audrey II #1 Horticulturist: Olivia Cooper (in collaboration with Geli Hogg)
Audrey II #2 Horticulturist: Geli Hogg (in collaboration with Olivia Cooper)
Audrey II #3 Horticulturists: Geli Hogg, Olivia Cooper
Audrey II #4 Horticulturists: Geli Hogg, Olivia Cooper
Audrey II #4 (Mechanics): Gilly McKnee
Audrey II #1 Puppeteer: Ben Matheson
Audrey II #3 Puppeteer: Stephen Banks
Audrey II #4 Puppeteer: Stephen Banks
Makeup Design: Charna Howson
Makeup Crew: Jill Gambill, Cynthia Harless, Charna Howson, Edie Miller, Sophia Roten
Sound Design & Tech: Michael Birkmire, Jena Schneller, Richard Edmondson
Lighting Design: Baron Cooper
Lighting Tech: Michael Allen
Lighting Assistant: Manny Kenn
Spotlight Operator: Suzanna Chavez, Vikki Cooper, Khela Turnmire
Backstage Crew: Geli Hogg, Corrie Owen, Hunter Hogg, Ben Matheson
Set Design: Baron Cooper
Set Construction: Michael Allen, Jax Barham, Jerry Brandt, Sarah Brandt, Baron Cooper, Mike Kotula, Jill Gambill, Delia Gambill
