Karen Dielmann
As summer winds down, and residents of the Ranch begin to think about fall and cooler temperatures, members of Theater at the Ranch have been thinking about a production for 2026. After the success of “Sylvia,” “Big Guns or Whose Little Lily is She?” and “Calendar Girls,” the group is looking to put on a musical comedy for next year.
Little Shop of Horrors is a story about a meek flower shop assistant (Seymour) who is in love with his colleague Audrey, who already has a (problematic) boyfriend. Seymour discovers an unusual plant, one that feeds on something more challenging than “Miracle Grow.” The plant revives business for the previously struggling florist shop but becomes increasingly hungry. Hilarious chaos ensues as Seymour attempts to deal with the ravenous plant.
This horror comedy rock musical, loosely based on the movie by the same name, features music and lyrics by the award-winning team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. The music is written in an early 1960’s style of doo-wop, Motown, and rock and roll. Many of the songs will be familiar to the audience, including the title song “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Suddenly Seymour.”
The production team includes Deborah Dorman, Producer and Director; Lisa Hunt, Musical Director; Diane Cronin, Conductor; Linda Wheeler, Costumer; Jane Plasse and Laura Jackson, Stage Managers; Julie Renna, Assistant to the Director; Charlie Dielmann, Lights; Barry Renna, Sound; Sue Brockhoff, Sponsorship; Sandi Feller, Programs. Auditions will be held in early November. There will be five performances from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, 2026, including matinees on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will go on sale in December, at $13 in advance for opening night, $15 for advance sales for the other performances, and $20 at the door.
If the idea of being involved in the production piques your interest, contact Deborah Dorman at deborahdorm@gmail.com. We are especially interested in hearing ASAP from potential accompanists (piano), choreographers, and musicians (we have a drummer), and we are in need of a Properties Master. All cast and crew member positions are volunteer and schedules for rehearsals will be established after casting and crew positions are completed. Generally, we rehearse two to three times per week in November and December (taking breaks for the holidays) and three or more times per week in January. It’s a lot of fun and the sense of teamwork and camaraderie is immensely satisfying. More information—particularly about auditions—will be available soon. Watch the Mid-Week Scoop and upcoming issues of the Robson Ranch Views for details.