The last time this man-eating musical was produced by RSP as a main-stage Broadway show was in the year 2000, and now it is time for this hilarious show to eat its way into the hearts of RSP audiences.

Little Shop of Horrors is a 1982 off-Broadway musical comedy by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a nerdy florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical was based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The musical score, composed by Menken in the style of 1960's rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, included several show-stoppers including "Skid Row (Downtown)," "Somewhere That's Green," and "Suddenly Seymour," as well as the title song. Four songs were deleted during the show's early development process: "A Little Dental Music", "The Worse He Treats Me", "We'll Have Tomorrow", and "I Found A Hobby". These songs were recorded as bonus material for the 2003 Broadway Original Cast Recording, but were not part of the actual production. In addition to the original off-Broadway production, the musical has been performed all over the world including productions in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hungary, Spain, Germany and UK. The musical was also made into a film in 1986, directed by Frank Oz.

Little Shop of Horrors will perform Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. July 6 – 29th! Get your tickets now at www.runawaystage.com or call the box office at (916) 207-1226.

Directed by Bob Baxter
Choreographed by Marissa Tidrick
Vocal Direction by Diane Ford
Musical Direction by Elaine Lord
Costume Design by Lillian Baxter

SEYMOUR Mid-twenties and perhaps balding a little. Our insecure, naive, put-upon, florist’s clerk hero. Above all, he’s a sweet and well-meaning little man. He is not a silly, pratfalling nerd, and therefore should not be played as the hero of a Jerry Lewis film. Low A to High G
AUDREY The bleached-blond, Billie-Dawn-like, secret love of his life. If you took Judy Holiday, Carol Channing, Mailyn Monroe and Goldie Hawn, removed their education and feelings of self-worth, dressed them in spiked heels and a low-cut black dress, and then shook them all up in a test tube to extract what's sweetest and most vunerable-that'd be Audrey. Low A to High D
MR. MUSHNIK Their boss. A failure of an East Side florist. His accent, if he has one, is more that of middle class New York than of Eastern Europe. He seldom smiles but often sweats. Low G to High E flat
ORIN A tall, dark, handsome dentist with a black leather jacket and sadistic tendencies. He is NOT, however, a leftover from the movie version of GREASE. Think instead of an egotistical pretty-boy — all got up like a greaser but thinking like an insurance salesman and talking like a radio announcer. (The actor who plays A Voice not unlike God's, Wino #2, Customer, Radio Announcer, Mr. Berstein, Mrs. Luce, Skip Snip, and Patrick Martin.)
THE PLANT (AUDREY II) An anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado. It has a huge, nasty-looking pod which gains a shark-like aspect when open and snapping at food. The creature is played by a series of four increasing large puppets, manipulated by one Puppeteer. (Who also plays Wino #1 in the first scene.) The first time we see The Plant, it is less than one foot tall. The last time we see it, it fills the entire stage.
VOICE OF THE PLANT Provided by an actor on an offstage microphone. It is important that this actor have clear visual access to the puppets onstage, so that he can provide accurate lip-synch. The sound is a cross between Otis Redding, Barry White, and Wolfman Jack. Think of The Voice as that of a street-smart, funky, conniving villain — Rhythm and Blues’ answer to Richard the Third.
CRYSTAL, RONNETTE AND CHIFFON Three black female street urchins who function as participants in the action and a Greek Chorus outside it. They’re young, hip, smart and the only people in the whole cast who REALLY know what’s going on. In their “Greek Chorus” capacity, they occasionally sing to theaudience directly. And when they do, it's often with a "secret-smile" that says: "we know something you don't know."

All roles are open and everyone is welcome!

For additional audition information please visit the website at runawaystage.com

We want Footlights readers to know that we were extremely pleased with the caliber of talent and professionalism shown by the cast and creative team, and that we look forward to working with this wonderful group of people in the very near future. When this show does become available again, we sincerely hope that these talented people will be available to join us on stage again, and create the magic the is so special in a show like The Wiz. Thank you so very much.

Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, is a 1987 off-Broadway play, made into a successful movie in 1989. Based on the author's experience with the death of his sister, Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of southern women in northwest Louisiana.

The action centers around Truvy's beauty parlor and some women who regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next year, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. We also get a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Claire and Ouiser; Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town, to a partying woman, then to a religious fundamentalist; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother, and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

The new production will take place at the Stage Nine Theatre in Folsom, July 13th – August 19th Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday’s at 4 p.m. for more information please visit runawaystage.com or backlottheatre.com/stageninetheatre for details.

Hopefully my name is a little familiar. I started at Runaway in 2004, when I was cast as Gwendolyn Pigeon in the Odd Couple. That experience lead on to numerous other shows like, Fiddler on the Roof, Victor Victoria, and Guys and Dolls. I also have been performing in several Storybook Theatre shows. You may have seen me in Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and most recently in Goldilocks and the Misadventures of Mother Goose. I have also started directing some Storybook shows. Last year I directed The True Story of the Big Bad Wolf- which received 6 Elly Nominations, and was awarded the Elly for Best Supporting Actress in Young People’s Musical! Just last month I had the pleasure of directing the talented cast of Pinocchio.

To work at Runaway Stage is a big step for me. For years I have been told that I can not –and should not sing and dance in public- so I have started billing myself as Runaway Stage’s resident non singing actress cast in musicals!

I am very excited with my position on the Board. My main duties are that of “Script Librarian”. I maintain the scripts and scores of the shows (past and present). When new shows come in, it is my responsibility to make copies for the actors, artistic directors, and technical crew. I keep the script library organized and available to staff. I am looking forward to this experience and I am thrilled to be serving my tenure with my dearest friends and family. Runaway Stage has been my home for the past three years and I can not WAIT to see what the future will bring.

See you at the theatre!

We will be running our very successful fireworks stand again this year!! Located near the corner of Fulton and Marconi (in the Gore’s Baby Store parking lot), this is one of our major fund-raisers to support our children’s programs (YMTW and Storybook Children’s Theatre). So celebrate the birthday of this great country and help out a worthy cause at the same time! Come on out to our fireworks stand and get your fireworks spectacular supplies to celebrate the 4th of July!

Many of our performers will be working the booth this year along with board members, some of the most talented pyrotechnic experts around and other wonderful RSP volunteers.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Come on out to the fireworks booth and get your fireworks, bring the coupon in this article and be entered to win a pair of season tickets to our 2008 season of great shows! This offer is only available at the RSP fireworks stand located near the corner of Fulton and Marconi in Sacramento, so be sure to visit our fireworks standand bring this coupon to enter to win!!!

ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF 2008 SEASON TICKET Bring to our fireworks booth at Fulton and Marconi to be entered. Drawing will be held July 5th. Winner will be notified by email. Name___________________ Phone___________________ Email___________________

Don’t miss out on the incredible 10th Anniversary Season of Great Theatre! Season tickets are now on sale visit our website at runawaystage.com or call the box office at (916) 207-1226 and get yours today. Season tickets are a gift that keeps on giving all year long, so do your holiday shopping at RSP and give the gift of blockbuster musical theatre! An economical gift that will bring a smile to all of the special people on your list!

Chicago – January 5 – 28, 2007
Smokey Joe’s Café – March 2-25, 2007
Oklahoma! – May 4 – 27, 2007
The Little Shop Of Horrors – July 6 – 29, 2007
Jesus Christ Superstar – August 31 – September 23, 2007
Jekyll & Hyde – November 2 – 25, 2007

RSP produces some of the highest quality theater in the Sacramento area as evidenced by increased attendance and multiple Elly nominations and Awards from the Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance (SARTA).

As the cost of producing quality theater continues to increase, we are seeking individuals and businesses who are supportive of the Arts and Arts Education in our community. Community support is VITAL to assure the continued presence of RSP in Sacramento!

Please consider becoming an RSP Partner or Sponsor by making a tax deductible donation. In return, you will receive numerous benefits as described on our website www.runawaystage.com.

Additionally, we offer advertising through our Playbills where you can reach over 10,000 potential customers!

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the 24th Street Theatre!!

New Patron Level and benefits Added This Year - Support The Finest in Community Theatre

As you know, Runaway Stage Productions is a non-profit Community Theatre Company who has been providing high quality theatre entertainment for eight years in the Sacramento area. What began as a one-time only show in 1997 has turned into a year round operation, producing Broadway-style productions, Storybook Children's Theater, delighting children of all ages and Youth Musical Theater Workshops providing performing arts education for hundreds of area youth.

RSP produces some of the highest quality theater in the Sacramento area as evidenced by increased performance attendance and multiple Elly nominations and Awards from the Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance (SARTA).

However, we are at a critical point in RSP history. The cost of producing quality theatre has increased dramatically over the last couple of years, and we are experiencing financial difficulty in delivering the superior theatrical productions our patrons enjoy and have afforded us recognition in the theatre community. RSP has relied solely on ticket sales and occasional individual donations to provide the necessary operational revenue. And in support of our #1 objective to provide the best possible live theatre entertainment that can be enjoyed by the entire community, we strive to keep our ticket prices affordable for our diverse patron base. Additionally, we continue to evaluate our budget management guidelines ensuring that we are operating at the most resourceful and efficient costs possible. However, we are still faced with the significant challenge to keep the "Stage Door" open at RSP.

How can you help? You can become an RSP "Partner" by making a tax deductible donation of $50.00 or more as described below. In return, we are offering complimentary tickets, recognition in our playbills, etc.

Moreover, we are seeking "Sponsors" to help underwrite our productions.

If you own or work for a business that is supportive of the Arts, please ask if they will help with a grant to cover some of the expenses of producing a Broadway Style Musical. The business or individual will receive full recognition in our playbills, banners, advertising, etc., giving them great visibility in the community. In an average season, RSP reaches over 10,000 people!

Thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at the 24th Street Theatre!!

Get your special someone a night out at the theatre! RSP has gift certificates good for any denomination and are available by calling the box office at 916-207-1226 or send the box office an e-mail at boxoffice@runawaystage.com and request yours today! We accept all major credit cards and this is an easy way to show someone you care this holiday season. These gift certificates are good for any tickets to any of our great shows – Broadway Shows, Storybook Children’s Theatre Shows, Youth Musical Theatre Workshop Shows, or even a tuition for that special child who wants to join the next workshop, the possibilities are endless so don’t miss out on this easy way to give the gift of entertainment!

• Great for everyone!
• Students
• Friends
• Family
• Actors
• Theatre Lovers
• Thank You Gifts
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Anyone!!!

Also new to our website, the “get involved” page, well actually its not new, but some of the wonderful pages you will find there are new like the “become and RSP member” and “corporate sponsorships” pages. These pages offer you great incentives and ways that business and individuals can become partners with RSP to help produce some of the finest theatre around and get some very valuable gifts and sponsorship recognition at the same time. Please visit these pages and see how you can help make this community theatre stronger and more vibrant.

Join this exciting non-profit education organization in a big way, join us on one of our committees! Please contact Eileen Hushbeck at Hushsong@frontiernet.net for an application and further information.

RSP is looking for input from you, our friends and patrons, on what you think of RSP. Applying for grants and funding opportunities is always a difficult project, and RSP is always working on these endeavors, so we are looking to you, our friends and patrons, to help with some information. Funding organizations are always looking to see how a program impacts the people who access the services it provides, so we are asking you to share your thoughts. If you have had an experience that has touched you, or someone you know, please let us know. We are looking for any stories or thoughts you may have had about the work that RSP does. So whether you have seen a show that you thought was well done, or if you have been involved in our YMTWs or if you just would like to send a letter of support please feel free, we would love to hear from you. In addition, if there is something that you feel we could work on, or if there is a concern you have please also feel free to send that along with your thoughts. Please be sure to include your name and contact information along with your letter. We appreciate your support for our work and we hope that with your help we can achieve some additional funding and be able to continue to produce the best community theatre around.

Please send your comments to:

RSP Board of Directors (Comments)
5050 Laguna Blvd., Suite 112-410
Elk Grove, CA 95758

Or by e-mail to: boxoffice@runawaystage.com

Thank you!