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Little Shop of Horrors coming to Newman stage in March
little shop group
The cast and crew of NCLUSD’s Musical Theater Department kicked off rehearsals for Little Shop of Horrors with an all-cast read-through this week, bringing together 40 students from grades 6–12. With Evan Gutierrez as Seymour, Harmony Ancheta as Audrey, and Cooper Reeves voicing the infamous Audrey II, the team is set to deliver a hilariously haunting tale of ambition and alien botany. From set construction to spotlight cues, students are leading every aspect of the March 2026 production—proving that this “Little Shop” is anything but small. - photo by Amanda Rose

“Feed me Seymour!” is a phrase you will hear from the carnivorous Audrey II on stage at the NCLUSD Musical Theater Department's production of Little Shop of Horrors coming in March 2026.  The cast and crew of 40 students spanning grades 6-12 began rehearsals this week with an all cast read-through.  Over the coming months they will tirelessly prepare for what will surely be a hilariously poignant story about sacrifice, greed, and power.

 

Fans of the 1986 movie will enjoy this rendition of the story as it unfolds on stage. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn (played by Evan Gutierrez) stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" (voiced by Cooper Reeves and puppeteered by Devin Ancheta) - after his coworker crush Audrey (played by Harmony Ancheta). This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

 

The set will feature a brand new rotating, two-story build that will help bring this story to life.  With the design and building help of OHS Ag Department, the Little Shop will become a reality on the stage.

 

Students get hands-on experience in helping the show unfold.  Kyler Cordeiro leads the construction crew, Amya Arteaga leads the props, Devin Ancheta is the art lead, and Miley Figueroa is the costume lead.  The show itself has students leading sound, lights, spotlights, and backstage. There is a construction crew of around 20 students that will help hammer, saw, paint, build and assemble the set to make the production come alive.  Crew members include Amya Arteaga, Kyler Cordeiro, Devin Ancheta, Oscar Rodriguez, Kevin Rodriguez, Melody Loretto, Miley Figueroa, Aleah Cordeiro, Nayeli Benites, Paola Preciado, Pilar Avila, Logan Cordeiro,, Daisy Corazon, Nabil Absood, Jaylenn Estrada, Abby Watson, Helena Ceja, and Alicen Shaver.

 

The full cast of performers include the following: Evan Gutierrez (Seymour Krelborn), Harmony Ancheta (Human Audrey), Cooper Reeves (voice of Audrey II and Orin Scrivello), Tyler Ragland (Mr. Mushnik), Devin Ancheta (Opening Monologue and Audrey II puppeteer), Analeigh Diaz (Chiffon Urchin 1), Camila Festerson (Crystal Urchin 2), Aubrielle Rosa (Ronnette Urchin 3), Tahira Absood (Urchin 4), Genesis Nunez (Urchin 5), Shelby Vasquez (Urchin 6), Victoria Inzunza (Urchin 7), and Ensemble members: Miley Figueroa, Daniel Rios, Kimora Patterson, Liam Cruz, Emily Romero, Delilah Marquez, Hayley Guajardo, Giuliana Rosa, Rachel McWilliams, and Eryn Figueroa.

 

Starting Friday, March 13th you can make your way to “1313 Skid Row” (housed at the Yolo Auditorium) for an Opening Night that will surely be out of this world. Tickets for the special Opening Night dinner will be $40 and include a tri tip dinner plus “homemade rolls by Gonzalo” and “Desserts by Dianne”.  The regular shows will be March 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd.  Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in November. Hear a sneak peak at the Christmas Tree Lighting as the cast is planning to perform at the December 6th event downtown.