FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 10/16/08
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
Press contact only: Tom Brooks -- 304-258-8662

PLANT "KILLS" ON STAGE AT ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- The Morgan Arts Council presents a crowd-pleasing cast of newcomers and veterans in the live theater musical production of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Ice House for nine performances, beginning with a preview on Thursday, October 23 at 7pm. Other performances run through November 2: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3pm, Wednesday and Thursday October 29 and 30 at 7pm.

The story takes place on New York's Skid Row in the 1950s. Tenor sensation, Patrick Arwood Slate, plays Seymour who collects weird and interesting plants including one with a taste for blood. A show-stealing trio of street urchins sung in girl-group style by Mary Hott, Angela Petry and Beth Brooks are musical guides to the play.

Among the newcomers to the Ice House stage is local businessman, Tim Smailes who plays Mushnik, the Skid Row Florist owner. Joining Smailes as a first-timer is Berkeley Springs High School Spanish teacher, Neil Heard who plays Orin, the sadomasochistic dentist. Also making their debut on the Ice House Theater stage are Sarah Hogbin, Doris Ashmore, Anna Steele, and Spam.

Smailes became involved in the show at the urging of his 14-year-old son, Logan, who is the lighting designer and technician for the production. "It seemed like a great way to do something with my son," said Smailes. Logan is joined behind the scenes with another experienced teen, Zack Ziler, who handles sound.

During the time on stage, the plant -- the mysterious "Audrey II" -- grows from a little sapling into something more. "People must come see the plant for themselves, " says Tom Brooks, co-director of the play with his wife Beth. "Otherwise, they won't believe it." Brooks warns that the plant, and the show, may be frightening for younger children. "We've removed the most objectionable language from the script but still think it earns a PG rating," he says.

"Musicals are complicated," says Beth Brooks. "This one required the musical talent of many people whom the audience never sees. From costumes to scenery, 'Little Shop' is a remarkable community effort."

Portals, a new age shop in Berkeley Springs is the play's exclusive sponsor. "Little Shop of Horrors" is produced as part of the community Ice House Theater Project. "Based on buzz around town, this promises to be a popular show," said Brooks. "People need to call soon and make reservations. Call the theater hotline at 304-258-2300, option 2. Visit www.macicehouse.org for complete details.

The Ice House is located on Independence and Mercer streets in downtown Berkeley Springs.