Feed Me, Seymour: Little Shop of Horrors Comes to 7th Street

Send us Fan MailA 1200-pound puppet in two massive crates. A first-time actor at age 54. A female voice for the traditionally male Audrey II. This is not your average Little Shop of Horrors—and that's precisely what makes it special.The creative team behind 7th Street Community Theater's upcoming production sits down to reveal how they're transforming this beloved cult musical for their intimate stage. Director Juan Luis Torres and his cast—including Derek Ashley-Macumber (Seymour/Costume Designer), Mark Agers (Mushnik), and Adam Carl-Payton (Orin)—share their personal connections to a show that has captivated theater lovers for generations.What emerges is a fascinating look at the balance between honoring tradition and introducing fresh perspectives. While audiences will get the professional-quality puppets they expect (arriving in two enormous crates weighing 400 and 800 pounds), they'll also experience innovations like expanded roles for the urchins and thoughtful color theory in the costumes, with greens representing envy and reds symbolizing sin as the plant's influence grows.The conversation delves into practical challenges unique to community theater: How do you fit a six-foot man-eating plant and a dentist's chair on a tiny stage? How do eight performers master complex harmonies when every voice matters? And how does a theater community rally together to make the impossible possible?Most touching is Mark's story of auditioning for his very first show at 54, sitting with professional performers at the first table read, and thinking, "These folks have legit skills... this is not just a little fun thing." His journey represents the heart of community theater—a place where passion and dedication matter more than experience.From inside jokes about troublesome vocal lines to the excitement of "Mother coming home" (their affectionate term for the plant puppet's arrival), the enthusiasm is contagious. As one cast member puts it: "It's a show you're going to want to see twice."Get your tickets now for what promises to be an unforgettable, intimate encounter with a musical that reminds us why we love theater. Just remember: don't feed the plants!Weekends April 11th through 26th $20 general admission -- $17 seniors and studentsFind STTS:Steps To The Stage (@stepstothestage) | InstagramFacebookSteps To The Stage (buzzsprout.com)Steps To The Stage - YouTubePlease follow on your favorite podcast platform and we appreciate 5 Star ratings and positive reviews!