LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS By: Howard Ashman & Alan Menken
Director Tamara Drew
Sound Design Amanda Hosking
Musical Director Aimee Radics
Lighting Design Dan Howe
Assistant Director Kate Masiak
Property Design Jeffery Shields
Choreography Alex Jados
Puppet Choreography Taylor Bibat
Stage Manager Eric Van Tassell
Puppet Aesthetics Kate Laissle
Scenic Design Katie Minix & Robert-Eric West
Production Manager Mac Vaughey
Costume & Makeup Design Robert-Eric West
Producer & Executive Director Aaron Shapiro
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MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “Prologue (Little Shop of Horrors)”.......................................................Chiffon, Ronnette, Crystal “Skid Row (Downtown)”..........................................................................................................Company “Da-Doo”........................................................................................................Chiffon, Ronnette, Crystal “Grow for Me”............................................................................................................................... Seymour “Ya Never Know”.................................................. Chiffon, Ronnette, Crystal, Mushnik, Seymour “Somewhere That’s Green”..........................................................................................................Audrey “Closed for Renovations”........................................................................Musknik, Audrey, Seymour “Dentist!”..............................................................................................Orin, Chiffon, Ronnette, Crystal “Mushnik & Son”....................................................................................................... Mushnik, Seymour “Feed Me (Git It)”.................................................................................................. Audrey II & Seymour “Now (It’s Just the Gas)”...............................................................................................Orin & Seymour INTERMISSION 15 Minutes ACT II “Call Back in the Morning”....................................................................................Seymour & Audrey “Suddenly, Seymour”..............................................................................................Seymour & Audrey “Suppertime”................................................................................................................................ Audrey II “The Meek Shall Inherit”..........................................................................................................Company “Finale (Don’t Feed the Plants)”............................................................................................Company
CAST POD Chiffon.......................................................................................................................Veronica Fernandez Crystal................................................................................................................................ Harper Leander Ronnette..................................................................................................................................... Ana Lovric Mushnik.............................................................................................................................Brandon Waller Audrey.................................................................................................................................. Serena Rayne Seymour....................................................................................................................................Jojo Brown Orin................................................................................................................................ Raymond Goodall Bernstein, Green Extra, Dentist Dancer.........................................................................Dagny Tracy Skip Snip, Dentist Dancer............................................................................................Nicky Cameron Mrs. Luce, Green Extra, Dentist Dancer...................................................................... Emily Beckert Audrey II, Tango, Dentist Dancer........................................................................ Wes Francois Klein Skid Row Solo, Dentist Waiting Room.......................................................................Mary Maloney Patricia Martin, Interviewer, Dentist Waiting Room................................................ Kristen Dunn Customer #1, Dentist Waiting Room................................................................... Wyatt H. Leander Opening Voice......................................................................................................................Time Brickey Green Extra, Tango, Dentist Waiting Room................................................... McKenna Batterson Swing......................................................................................................................................... Leo Allen III
CAST SNAP TR AP Chiffon.................................................................................................................................. Maddy Turner Crystal......................................................................................................................... Lyla Ann Whedbee Ronnette............................................................................................................................. Kiah McKirnan Mushnik.................................................................................................................................Peter Kattner Audrey............................................................................................................................Madison Pullman Seymour............................................................................................................................. Michael Waller Orin...........................................................................................................................................Time Brickey Bernstein, Green Extra, Dentist Dancer, Tango........................................................ China Brickey Opening Voice, Dentist Dancer........................................................................................ Jacob Reyes Mrs. Luce, Green Extra, Dentist Waiting Room.....................................Noa Gordon-Guterman Audrey II, Tango, Dentist Dancer........................................................................ Wes Francois Klein Skid Row Solo, Green Extra, Dentist Waiting Room......................................................Amy Soria Patricia Martin, Dentist Dancer....................................................................................Kristin Kattner Customer #1, Dentist Waiting Room.............................................................. William Stegemann Swing......................................................................................................................................... Leo Allen III 2 Studio BE
THE BAND Danny Howard & Eric Engleson...................................................................................................Drums James Wenzel...........................................................................................................................................Bass Kyle McCullough.................................................................................................................................Guitar Gina Rickhoff........................................................................................................................................Guitar Nathan Urdangen................................................................................................................................. Keys Aimee Radics....................................................................................................................Conductor/Keys
CAST BIOGR APHIES Jacob Reyes (Voice) Is thrilled to be joining the Studio Be family, he’s a senior at Mather High School who has performed in Dreamgirls, High School Musical 2, and performed in Scenes for Life at the Illinois High School Theatre Fest. Shout Out to Family for their love and support.
Wyatt H. Leander (Customer #1, Puppeteer) is very happy to be in his first show at Studio BE! He loves being a awesome actor ! He loves movies of all kinds, NCAA football ( ROLL TIDE ) comic books , Stan lee and Studio BE :) :) :) :) love to parents and cast! PS I AM THE HULK roar
Time Brickey (Orin, Plant Puppeteer, Opening voice, Cool guy): Time has plagued Studio BE with his presence for over a year now, and doesn’t seem to want to leave. He is proud of his fellow cast and hopes to work with them in the future.
Wes Francois Klein (Audrey II) is excited be in his 4th show at The Hive (AKA Studio BE) and would like to thank all of the staff for their continuous support and also his fellow cast for being “so freakishly awesome!” Other than enjoying a couple of delectable humans, Wes also loves strawberry Pop-Tarts and chocolate covered GummyBears! “Mmmm Feed Me!!”
Kristen Dunn (Interviewer and Patricia Martin) Is excited to be in her third Studio BE show. She is a junior in high school and is happy to be in such a wonderful show! Kristin Kattner (Patricia Martin): Is excited to be in another show at Studio BE. She attends St. Benedict High school. And she wishes her cast mates the best of luck!
Mary Maloney (Skid Row Soloist) is super excited to be in her 5th show with Studio Be, and is super happy to have this awesome solo! :) Much love to the cast who made my last show here fantastic! I’ll be back; no amount of distance can separate the bond of family! Harper Leander (Crystal) attends Chi-Arts for Musical Theatre. She has been working with most the cast members/employees Studio BE 3
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) of Studio Be for about 5 years. She is very grateful that she has had that time with them. She would not be who she was today if it wasn’t for them. Lots of Love! <3
lous show experience. She thanks her friends and family for their support. She sends her love to the cast and crew :)
Maddy Turner (Chiffon) attends Raymond Goodall Franklin Fine Arts (Orin/Puppeteer) is Center and is having glad to have join a fantabulous time Studio Be once working on her first again in a fabulous show at Studio Be. show, after a great She would like to time during Ragtime. thank everyone at Studio Be for helping He currently attends to make her first show such a fun and Chi-Arts (Chicago High School for The beneficial experience :) Arts) as a Musical Theater major. He would like to thank first God, his Noa Gordonparents, Harper for introducing him to Guterman (Mrs. this wonderful group of people, and Luce) most DEFIENTLY Studio Be for this is ecstatic for her great opportunity. debut at studio be, she has had an amazMichael Waller ing experience, and (Seymour)is truly she hopes every one elated to be a part of enjoys the show this AWESOME show. He would like to Lyla Ann Whedbee thank the Studio Be (Crystal) I’d just like staff, his fellow cast to thank the director members, his family, and production team and Queen Latifah for being the for giving me the bananas to his monkey and for role of “Crystal”. It’s inspiring him to be who he wants to be! the biggest role I’ve had, and I hope I live McKenna Batterson up to all expectations. (Interviewer/ Puppeteer) attends Jojo Brown Chi-Arts for Musical (Seymour)- Jojo is Theatre and is very excited to be excited to be performing in this participating in her production. He first Studio Be would like to thank production. She wants to thank his family, friends, everyone at Studio Be for being so and Miss Tamara, for welcoming and making her first show supporting him. here amazing!!! Peter Kattner Madison Pullman (Mushnik) is very (Audrey) attends Taft happy that he is a Academics Center part of the Studio BE and is having a blast community. He working with both would like to thank casts! She would like his loved ones for to thank the BE for their support. yet another fantabu4 Studio BE
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Leo Allen III (Swing) Leo is a senior at Mather High School and is honored to be a part of this “horrific” cast in his fourth show at Studio-BE
Ana Lovric (Ronnette) is a junior at Lane Tech. This is her third show at Studio-BE and she’s super excited to be playing Ronette. Git it! Veronica Fernandez (Chiffon) is 16 years old and loves to be a part of such a great cast. Studio-BE is the place to BE! Dagny Tracy (Bernstein, Green Extra, Dentist Dancer) is a freshman and this is her second show at Studio-BE. She is so excited to be a part of Little Shop. Nick Cameron (Skip Snip, Dentist Dancer) is a freshman at Lane Tech. He loves thinking about what life would be like if he were taller, playing piano, and Studio-BE. Brandon Waller (Mushnik) is an 8th grader at Sacred Heart. He is grateful to everyone involved in this show for making it as amazing as it is. Amy Soria (Skid Row Solo)Little Shop is Amy’s second show working with Studio-BE. She was the Meechemi understudy in The Jungle Book. She hopes to one day perform on Broadway.
Serena Rayne (Audrey) is a second year musical theatre major and elated to be performing in her first show with such an amazing, supportive cast and director. Emily Beckert (Mrs. Luce) is an 8th grader at Newberry Academy. She is ecstatic to be participating in her thrid show here at studio be! She is also aspiring to be a world-famous juggler. Kiah McKirnan (Ronnette) is pleased to be in another Studio BE Production after playing the role of Sarah’s Friend in Last Summer’s production of RAGTIME. William Steggemann (Customer #1) is so pleased to be proud of this production at Studio BE. He was introduced to acting with a stage combat in Studio BE’s production of Romeo and Juliet two seasons ago and hasn’t stopped since.
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S T U D I O B E S TA F F Katie Minix (Scenic Design) graduated from Loyola University with a B.A. in Theatre emphasizing in set and lighting design. Her past productions include set designer for Lonesome West and The Diviners as well as the lighting designer for Wit and Savage in Limbo. She was also the set designer and assistant stage manager for Rent here at Studio BE. Katie gives a special thanks to Studio BE for this opportunity; the cast and crew have been fantastic! Dan Howe (Lighting Design) is happy to be working with Studio BE for the first time. A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts school of theatre, some of his other credits include: Congo Squares production of The Colored Museum, SHIFT and DIVE brought to you by The Open Space Project, Forgotten World directed by Laurie Carlos, Co Designer on Strapped produced by The Inconvenience, and was recently the associate lighting designer for The King and I at Stage 773
Kate Masiak (Assistant Director) graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in directing. After having so much fun with Rent, Kate has returned for Romeo and Juliet. Her directing credits include Rabbit, Closer, Bleed Like Me, Still Life with Iris, True Man; A Musical and The Problem. Kate would like to thank her mom (of course) and Studio BE, everyone here is fantastic! Lauren Rankin (Assistant Music Director) is thrilled to be a part of Studio Be! She is an actor and singer, as well as the voice of national Walgreens TV and radio commercials. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Music Theatre from Northwestern University. More than anything, she loves to sing and generally be a kook.
Jeff Sheilds (Prop Design) recently moved to Chicago from Iowa City. He has worked on stage and off through the midwest from directing to acting. He attended the University of Iowa studying theatre with an emphasis on directing. www.jeffshields.net
Taylor Bibat (Puppet Choreography), a graduate of Oberlin College, is a loyal member of the Studio BE teaching staff, Associate Artistic Director of The State Theater of Chicago, a member of the band ElvisBride, and works with Elephant and Worm Educational Theater Company. She also pursues independent artistic projects. She is a performer, director, designer, teaching artist, and producer interested primarily in physical, visual, and object based theater. She has worked with Redmoon Theater, Blair Thomas and Company, Collaboraction, Victory Gardens, The Building Stage, Silent Theatre, Thresholds Theater Arts Project, and The Bricklayers Theatre Company and trained with Paola Coletto (clown), The Actor’s Gymnasium (circus/aerial), and The Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute. Puppetry is her love and she is happy to be able to share it with the Studio BE family. www.taylorbibat.com
Kate Laissle (Props Aesthetics) is a recent graduate of Ohio University. She has previously worked at a number of Shakespeare festivals throughout the country. She is excited to be a part of Studio BE!
Alex Jados (Choreography) graduated from Western Illinois University in 2008. While earning her bachelor’s degree in communications, Alex served as the Vice President and Head Chore-
Amanda Hosking (Sound Design) is a recent graduate from Wright State University with a bachelors degree in light and sound design. When she is not busy designing sound for the fabulous shows at Studio BE she works for Writers theater as the sound board op and technician. She would like to thank the great design team for putting up with her absence, and hopes the cast and crew break a leg.
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S T U D I O B E S TA F F ( c o n t .) ographer of the GBCC Dance Troupe. She was also involved with University Dance Theatre. Upon graduating from WIU, Alex became the Communications Director for Dance Chicago, one of the world’s largest dance festivals. Alex currently continues to take dance classes and is a member of Matter Dance Company in Chicago. Aimee Radics (Music Director) Aimee is so proud of all learners for their hard work on one of her favorite musicals. You can catch her music directing and teaching at Studio BE and performing around town with Catalyst Cabaret. Many thanks to the rockin’ musicians! Robert-Eric West (Costume Design, Make-up Design) Mr. West is a graduate of Butler University with a BA in musical theatre including concentrations in vocal performance and pedagogy as well costume, hair and make-up design. He began his career at the age of six as a member of a youth theatre studying with the acclaimed children’s theatre director and author Nora MacAlvay, returning later in life as the company’s artistic director. RobertEric spent 13 years as a vocal coach and musical theatre history instructor at Indiana University where he also founded the Monroe County Children’s Theatre. Although his talents do not include accompaniment he has worked for over 20 years with special concentration in Broadway repertoire, safe belt techniques, and decoration and improvisation. His mentors and vocal instructors have included Eileen Farrell, Giorgio Tozzi and James Mullholland. As a Classically trained singer he has sung on the concert stage as well as the commercial stage using both classical and contemporary technique. Tamara Drew (Director, Artistic Director of Youth Programming) is also the Secretary of Studio BE’s Executive Board as well as co-founder of the company as a whole. A graduate of 8 Studio BE
Millikin University with a BA in Theatre and Sociology, Tamara has competed, performed, taught, and studied across the country, from the Bay area to the Atlantic Coast. She is a performer, social activist, educator, model, mom, and Shakespeare enthusiast! The Studio BE community is her greatest accomplishment, and she is thrilled and anxious to see it grow and evolve. Ms. Tamara dedicates this show to everyone who has ever been in hate, and her son, Drew, who, like Romeo, Juliet, and every actor on this stage, has the power to change the world …enjoy~ Mac Vaughey (Production Manager), Studio BE Executive Board Vice President, is a graduate of Brown University and recipient of the University’s Weston Prize for Theatrical Design. He is the resident Lighting Designer at the 16th Street Theater in Berwyn, recently named the Chicago Reader’s “Best Emerging Theatre Company.” Mac is also an Artistic associate for Teatro Luna, and Premiere Theatre & Performance, and a company member at Walkabout Theatre. Additionally, Mac’s work has been seen at the American Theatre Company, Redmoon Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Collaboraction and Climax Nightclub. Mac has also worked with Infamous Commonwealth, The Sinnerman Ensemble, Open Eye Productions and many other theatre companies. Mac also serves as head of the lighting department for the Next Theatre in Evanston, Light Opera Works, Timeline Theatre Company, and the American Theatre Company. Aaron Shapiro (Producer, Executive Director and co-founder of Studio BE) graduated from Barat College of DePaul University where he received Departmental Honors in both Economics and Acting & Directing. As a child he performed with the L.A. Opera Company, the Los Angeles Children Chorus, and regularly worked as an extra in TV shows, commercials, movies, and music
S T U D I O B E S TA F F ( c o n t .) videos. After college Aaron founded Oracle Productions and opened their 40-seat black box theatre in Wrigleyville where he served 4 years as Artistic Director. He has worked professionally since college in Chicago as a director, stage manager, producer, actor, production manager, electrician, carpenter, sound technician, technical director, scenic designer and lighting designer for such companies as Collaboraction,
American theatre Company, The House Theatre, The Lincolnshire Mariott, Shattered Globe, Theatre Wit, Devonshire Players, Downers Grove Players, Pegasus Players, Victory Gardens Greenhouse and Biograph, Teatro Luna, Teatro Vista, Timeline, Next, About Face, The Entertainment Project, T.U.T.A., Light Opera Works, Albany Park Theatre Project, and Pinebox Theatre.
*Studio BE is seeking active members for our Board of Directors. If this sounds like you… BE in touch with a Studio BE Staff Member! *Studio BE is a 501©(3) charity. Your donations are not only tax deductable… but are also vital to our continued success!
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T Studio BE is an ambitious, non-profit, performing-arts training and development facility available to the public. Our in-house programs and classes are designed to be high-energy, transformative experiences all culminating in a series of final performance opportunities. By connecting imagination with both discipline and integrity, we open doors for both excellence and self discovery that transcend the classroom. Our commitment to proper technique, discipline, and individual attention cultivates an environment that will foster creativity, self esteem, ambition, and ultimately excellence in the performing arts. Incorporated in February of 2009,Studio BE, NFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We recently opened the doors to our brand new 3000 square foot performing arts venue. Founded by company directors Aaron Shapiro (Executive Director) and Tamara Drew (Artistic Director of Youth Programming) our facility was designed for versatility. Located conveniently by the Belmont El stop, Studio BE is able to both accommodate our extensive Youth Programming and function as a 99 seat storefront theater. At its inception, the founders of Studio BE shared some basic goals: To provide a quality product while cultivating integrity, expression, and success in the performing arts. Arts education is precisely like other ventures in its need for efficiency of management, fiscal accountability, stringent planning, the ‘manufacture’ of a quality product, and financial growth. Our blend of business, education, and creation is totally absolutely the only of its kind. Sweet. To be a reliable resource for families who strive to succeed in all avenues of life.Studio BE’s greatest asset is the quality of our product for the price we offer. For less than the average cost of a babysitter,Studio BEoffers a curriculum that will positively affect the quality of life for your child. The enthusiastic and educated instructors employed byStudio BE all possess hands-on experience working with children and the drive to fulfill our mission. Students will recognize that they are a part of something greater than them Studio BE 9
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T ( c o n t .) and are encouraged to grow. Everyone will have a chance to see the results at performances and showcases throughout the year! Our in-house youth programs and classes are all designed to be high-energy, transformative experiences culminating into a series of final performance opportunities. Our commitment to proper technique, discipline, and individual attention cultivates an environment that fosters creativity, self esteem, ambition, self discovery and excellence. To be accessible. We understand in great depth the needs and concerns of parents. For this reason, the scheduling of our programs is designed from the onset to correlate with school calendars, both public and private, and to be convenient for parental schedules. Also, our location is near a large residential area, public transportation, and a public parking lot, for your transportation convenience. Our satellite programming is focused on connecting your organization with one of our Chicago-based professional instructors. Whether you are looking to create an after-school dance troupe, produce a play, or a movement workshop for seniors, Studio BE can provide the solution for your administrative and staffing needs. *Studio BE is seeking active members for our Board of Directors. If this sounds like you… BE in touch with a Studio BE Staff Member! *Studio BE is a 501©(3) charity. Your donations are not only tax deductable… but are also vital to our continued success! A N O T E F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R Of course, we are excited to have you here! That’s part of the reason we are doing this. So that YOU could come to see it, have a new and exhilarating experience of a story you may already know, and be provoked to think. Actually, it’s the whole concept of thought provocation that has us in this business. We strive to inspire our Studio BE learners to thoughts of identity, responsibility, and creativity. We make a conscious effort to immerse them in material that makes them aware of the people and situations that exist around them so that they may make informed choices for their present and their future real-life situations. We work to challenge them as overall performers to work their hardest, PLAY!, always present their best, and help them to become well-rounded in the performance arts. How does Studio BE’s Little Shop of Horrors fulfill this mission? Multi-person puppetry, intricate harmonies, meticulous ensemble movement, fantastic character creation, comedy!; relationship abuse, temptation, envy, right and wrong, greed, poverty, love, loyalty, betrayal, and a talking plant…let’s just say, it works. Studio BE’s talented team of designers and colorful cast of learners has cooked up something delightful for you to marinate on. Enjoy~ Ms. Tamara
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S T U D I O B E P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Executive Director.................................................................................................. Aaron Shapiro Artistic Director of Youth Programming.......................................................... Tamara Drew Development Director............................................................................................Mac Vaughey Music Directors......................................................................Aimee Radics, Robert-Eric West Assistant Music Director......................................................................................Lauren Rankin Technical Director.................................................................................................. Aaron Shapiro Scenic Crew........................................................................................Katie Minix, Matt Dinning, Aaron Shapiro, Mac Vaughey Electricians.....................................................Mac Vaughey, Eric Van Tassell, Aaron Shapiro Wardrobe/Make-Up......................................................................Meris Peretti, Carolyn Tracy, Sandra Leander, Liz Wilson, Manny Ortiz, Barb Cameron Run Crew................................................................................................Kate Masiak, Jeff Shields Followspot Ops...............................Gilbert Roman, Collin Monanhan, Charlotte Adams Sound Engineer...................................................................................................... Aaron Shapiro This Production Would Not Be Possible Without the Financial Support Of: The Boulin Family, The Pullman Family, The McKirnan Family, The Waller Family, Cindy Chisholm, Alex Aixala, Dan Lurie, Elizabeth Auman, and the MissioDei Ministry SPECIAL THANKS Dr. Jan Hart, Ruslan Trusewych, Sandra Leander, The Chisholms, The Pullmans, Bri Dean, Handwritten, Chelsea Meyers & Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Rosemary & John McDonnell, Our Neighbors in the 3110 Sheffield Building, Jeff Orluck (jefforluck.com), Richard D. Riggleman, Jeremy Shapiro, Jay Shapiro, Jason Geis, Ian Gatman, American Theatre Company, Strawdog Theatre Company, Bennett Lawson in Ald. Tunney’s Office, Light Opera Works, pH Productions, Chicago Spotlight, & Friends and Family of Studio BE Staff, Cast, and crew… who have supported us in numerous ways throughout this project.
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Involved! Upcoming events for the Studio BE Community! • May 15, 12:00pm @ THE BE Studio BE Voice Recital – See your friends showcase their work during the semester during their private lessons! • May 15, 2:30pm @ THE BE – LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: Staff Version – Have you ever wondered what Mr. Aaron sounds like when he sings in the shower? Come see the Studio BE Staff perform a one-night benefit performance of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Tickets on sale at www.studio-be.org • May 15, 6:00pm @ THE BE – Kommunity Karaoke Night! - Bring your friends and family and your favorite singalong tracks. This event is TOTALLY FREE! • May 21, Noon @ WEISSMAN PARK – Watch the Studio BE Ensemble wow the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated park located walking distance from THE BE. (We helped raise some money for the park and now they’re letting us perform!) • June 11, 12 1:30PM @RIBFEST (Lincoln, Damen , Irving)– The Studio BE Ensemble will perform! There may also be RIBS!