'Little Shop of Horrors' replaces 'A Chorus Line'

By Kyra Ruivo; Allyson Betot
Staff Writer; Editor

September 13, 2012

Photo by Rachel McAuley

Director Hal Davis discusses his expectations with students who are about to audition.

At the beginning of the semester, the fall musical for UNCP was going to be "A Chorus Line"; however, after auditions on Aug. 23 director Hal Davis decided to change the play to "Little Shop of Horrors" because there were not enough male dancers to fill the roles that were required in "A Chorus Line." Also, Davis became too ambitious and wanted to do a bigger and better play.

"This was another on my list, we hadn't done a comedy and this is a tongue-and-cheek type show," Davis said.

Davis is the Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and the Coordinator of the Musical Theatre Program and has directed eight other shows at UNCP.

With the play change, Davis had to find a show that still fit his budget and that is why he picked "Little Shop of Horrors."

Davis had several actors in mind for "Little Shop of Horrors" that he wouldn't have been able to cast in "A Chorus Line."

There were plenty of women that could sing and dance for "A Chorus Line"; however, there were not that many males, so it was easier to just change the play for the benefit of everyone.

With the play change happening so quickly, Davis had to act fast. He got the rights to perform "Little Shop of Horrors" over a weekend and had to special order a plant for the play from California.

Photo by Rachel McAuley

Student Jamaal Anthony prepares for his audition by going over his scenes and music. Anthony was later cast as Mr. Mushnik.

"I had to shrink the cast to do more on the set in a short period of time without calling for a lot of dance," Davis said.

The cast list was put up on Aug. 29 with 12 people cast in the play and rehearsals began on Sept. 4.

Senior Dalton Hoffer will take on the role of Seymour; and freshman Taylor Kraft will play opposite him as Audrey.

Despite the rocky start, the cast is ready to get into rehearsals and start performing.

"I very happy to be cast as Seymour; the role will be very fun and challenging for me. At first I was a little unsure because of all the changes, but once the cast list came out and I saw who I was working with every care went out the window," Hoffer said. "Only because the entire cast is made up of strong, talented people who I know will put up a great show."

"Just from the auditions I can tell that the cast is going to work incredibly well together," Kraft said.

While Hoffer has performed in many shows at UNCP, this will be Kraft's first time taking the GPAC stage.

"When I was cast as Audrey in Little Shop, I was over the moon. I hadn't expected a freshman to get the lead and was honored that Hal and Ms. Thomas believed in me enough to carry that role," Kraft said.

"I think the University will have a blast watching," Hoffer said. "Once we hit opening night, everyone will get to see all the hard work we have put into Little Shop of Horrors."

"Everyone should come. It's a fun, high energy show," Kraft said. The show will be performed in GPAC from Nov. 7-10, at 8 p.m. Stop by GPAC's box office to get a ticket.

Tickets are free for UNCP students, faculty and staff; $3 for non-UNCP students; and $5 for general admission.