PCT Holding Open Auditions for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

By Sarah Naron

Messenger Reporter

PALESTINE – While they can’t promise “a Cadillac car or a guest spot on Jack Paar” or “a date with Hedy Lamarr,” the Palestine Community Theatre can offer local musical theater enthusiasts the chance to star in the organization’s upcoming presentation of ‘Little Shop of Horrors!’

According to PCT member Chaundra Dantin, open auditions for the musical will be held at the historic Texas Theatre at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20.

“Please come prepared to sing a portion of a song from the musical theatre genre and do a cold read,” said Dantin. “Those auditioning will have the ability to play accompaniment tracks from a phone, iPod, or other electronic device with a headphone jack.”

Those well-versed in tickling the ivories will also have the option of providing their own accompaniment on an upright piano. According to Dantin, however, no separate pianist will be available.

Dantin added that auditioning with an a capella performance is not encouraged.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ will be performed at the Texas Theatre Friday-Sunday, April 6-8 and Friday-Sunday, April 13-15. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday performances will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

A complimentary reception will be held at the theater Friday, April 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are currently available online at www.texastheatre.com at a cost of $15 per adult and $10 per student ages four to 18. Beginning in March, tickets may also be purchased at Blake Furniture, Discount Pools, the Palestine Chamber of Commerce and the Palestine Visitors Center.

As the official ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ synopsis explains, the story revolves around Seymour, an acquiescent flower shop employee who is pining away over a co-worker named Audrey. In the midst of a total solar eclipse, he happens upon a peculiar plant which he names Audrey II. To add to the bizzarity of the plant, it is revealed that it feeds solely on human blood and flesh. As a result of the discovery, the struggling flower shop gains a great deal of business.

Following the accidental death of Orin, Audrey’s significant other, Seymour feeds the body to the plant, furthering its appetite and leaving him with the task of acquiring more bodies with which to feed Audrey II’s growing thirst for blood.

For more information, contact Dantin at 903-922-1146. The historic Texas Theatre is located at 213 W. Crawford St. in Palestine.

Sarah Naron may be reached via email at [email protected].