LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
OPENS THE NEW PAPER WAREHOUSE THEATRE
The Hub City Players present the classic horror musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors, to open the newly renovated Paper Warehouse Theater in the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center (825 North Main Street). Performances will run October 28 – 31 with evening and matinee shows. Following their sold out run of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this spooky spoof features music by the same team and a powerhouse cast of familiar faces, singing and dancing in this Halloween grand opening. Tickets are on sale now exclusively at hubcityplayers.com.
“We are so excited to explore this new space with one of our favorite shows,” said Mike Lopinto. “The cast is dynamite, and the space has been transformed to create a truly magical environment, unlike anything else in the area. It’s a very intimate theater with 150 seats, so fans should act quickly as this will sell out fast.”
Featuring Joe VanZandt as Seymour and Meredith Melvin Johnson as Audrey, the cast also includes Mike Lopinto as Audrey II, Seth Karas as Mr. Mushnik, Jay Baggett as Orin Scrivello, DDS, Delovitt Rogers and Alex Miller, it is the powerhouse voices of Latisha Earnest, Krista Overby, and Timely Harris that will blow the roof off the newly renovated theatre space. With direction by Lopinto, Brett Barnes, and Tammy Mansfield, an inventive set design by Wes Hanson, elaborate puppets and effects, this production is a showcase of talent.
Celebrating 40 years, Little Shop of Horrors is based on a 1960 low-budget film directed by Roger Corman. In 1986, it was adapted into a hit film directed by Frank Oz. The cast featured Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene (who originated the role of “Audrey” on stage), John Candy, and Steve Martin.
The show will be the first top open in the HCAC’s Paper Warehouse space since undergoing black box theater renovations thanks to funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Building Fund with additional support from the City of Hattiesburg.
The new space is designed for flexibility and creativity in stage configurations and presentations. Renovations include theater-grade trusses, a lighting system, a sound system, staging and retractable seating. All renovations are projected to be complete by the show’s opening.
“The Hub City Players are known for excellence in entertainment. We’re grateful they are willing to open their latest show as a black box premier for the Paper Warehouse,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “This renovated space is an example of collaboration across a variety of agencies and people – from our local legislative delegation for supporting the funding line, the Mississippi Arts Commission, Emily Gallapsy – our arts center director, and the many who have invested in the future of the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center as a stronghold for all of the arts in our community.”