SMC Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors Thrills Audiences

Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer

The Spartanburg Methodist College Theatre troupe staged a rousing rendition of the classic musical “Little Shop of Horrors” as their fall production in October, entertaining crowds for a four-day run.

“The students worked hard for several weeks to put on this challenging production,” said Dr. Kate Roark, SMC Drama and Speech Professor and Director of the SMC Theatre Program. “Seeing the audience respond to the acting, singing, and set production was so rewarding.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” is an award-winning musical that follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a hapless florist shop worker who dreams of getting out of Skid Row. He discovers an unusual plant that seems to answer his every prayer for money, fame, and love. The musical debuted off-Broadway in 1982 and became a 1986 feature film starring Rick Moranis as Krelborn.

SMC sophomore Terrell Peebles presented his own take on the lead character for the College’s presentation.

“It was an honor to present my vision of Seymour. Having not watched the movie, I thought I could bring my originality to the role, especially being an African American in a traditionally white male role,” Peebles said. “It was a bit rocky to start, but it all came together and was very rewarding.”

Students made up the entire cast and nearly all of the crew and production team, including the design and construction of the various sizes of Audrey II, the man-eating plant at the center of the play. SMC junior Josh Belcher created the plant puppets.

The fall production attracted some of the largest audiences in the Theatre program’s history, with hundreds filling Gibbs Auditorium during the run.

The program stages one production each semester. Recent shows include “Hands on a Hardbody,” about a contest to win a new truck; “Hedda Gabler,” about a new wife searching for meaning in her life; and “Clue,” the classic production based on the board game.

For its spring play, the SMC Theatre will present its version of “Everybody” by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins. The show is a new adaptation of the Medieval morality play “Everyman” and will occur in conjunction with the SMC Medieval Conference in March.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our students the opportunity to put on such recognized productions every semester,” Dr. Roark said. “I’m excited to start working on ‘Everybody’ with our next cast and crew this spring.”