Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to Present “Little Shop of Horrors”
Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University Music & Theatre Department will present “Little Shop of Horrors” at 7 p.m. Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center on the Washburn campus.
With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, “Little Shop of Horrors” is based on the film by Roger Corman. The musical follows Seymour, a down-on-his-luck flower shop worker who discovers a mysterious, otherworldly plant. Seymour shares his discovery with his boss, Mr. Mushnik, and his friend, Audrey, as the unusual plant promises him fame, fortune and love. However, when the plant begins demanding a sinister form of nourishment, Seymour faces a moral dilemma that could cost him everything.
Dr. Julie Noonan directs “Little Shop of Horrors,” with music direction by Dr. Joseph DeSota, choreography by Sally Glassman, set design by Ted Shonka and costume design by Knox McClendon.
“Little Shop is a perennial favorite musical that returns like the plant in the show,” said Noonan, director of theatre and associate professor of theatre, Washburn University. “We’ve been having a great time making this classic come to life and finding our own interpretation of the plant and these ‘Skid Row’ folks. The music is so fun and the magic of theatre is coming to life in the puppetry and acting of our student performers! We timed it with Washburn Homecoming, Halloween and the following week to allow everyone to enjoy it.”
The cast features Eli Dozier, Katelyn Lang, Collette Cluke, Camille Cluke, Taylor Moore, Gage Gooding, Ethan Brooks, Kolton Scott, Ruby Johnson, Markell Rice, Naythan Garcia and Kieran Madsen; with puppetry by Aaron Bartel, Matthew Rice, Icarus Franklin and Elliot Pruitt.
“Little Shop of Horrors” is the second production of the Washburn University Theatre 2026-27 season.
With performances beginning Halloween weekend, audience members are encouraged to attend in costume, especially as characters inspired by 1950s and 1960s monster movies, to celebrate this classic musical.
Tickets may be reserved on the CUR8 website or acquired at the Washburn Theatre Box Office 30 minutes before each performance. Tickets are free for Washburn students, faculty and staff. General admission is a suggested $10 donation. All donations support Washburn Theatre academic and travel scholarships. For more information, visit the Washburn Theatre webpage.
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Editor’s Note: Cast Hometowns
- Ethan Brooks: Everest, Kan.
- Eli Dozier: Lenexa, Kan.
- Kolton Scott: Basehor, Kan.
- Ruby Johnson: Perry, Kan.
- Taylor Moore: Topeka, Kan.
- Camille Cluke: Topeka, Kan.
- Collette Cluke: Topeka, Kan.
- Gage Gooding: Topeka, Kan.
- Katelyn Lang, Topeka, Kan.
- Markell Rice: Topeka, Kan.
- Kieran Madsen: Topeka, Kan.
- Naythan Garcia: Topeka, Kan.
- Icarus Franklin: Topeka, Kan.
- Matthew Rice: Liberal, Kan.
- Elliot Pruitt: Lansing, Kan.
- Aaron Bartel: Inman, Kan.
For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu
