Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, will present its 54th season during the summer of 2022 with "Little Shop of Horrors," "Godspell," and "West Side Story."
"Little Shop of Horrors" opens June 17 and runs through July 2. A preview performance will take place on June 16. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, "Little Shop of Horrors" takes audiences to a florist shop on Skid Row where the meek Seymour dreams of his co-worker Audrey and discovers a very strange plant with an even stranger appetite. Based on the film by Roger Corman and Charles Griffith, "Little Shop of Horrors" is the comedic sci-fi musical that has captivated audiences for decades.
"Little Shop of Horrors" is directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, music directed by Jennifer Korecki, and choreographed by Martín Céspedes. Costume design is by Sarah Russell, lighting design is by Jaemin Park, scenic design is by Ben Needham, and sound design is by Annabell Mallard. The technical director is Devin Gallo and the props manager is Dani Vanasse. Tom Humes is the production stage manager. The assistant director is Amy Fritsche, the assistant choreographer is Alexis Victoria Wilson, and the assistant costume designers are Lauren Greenfield and Jenna Nicole Jamison.
"Godspell" opens July 8 and runs through July 23. A preview performance will take place on July 7. With book by John-Michael Tebelak, music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, "Godspell" is an eclectic blend of songs telling the story of Jesus' life. employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
"Godspell" is directed and choreographed by Dylan Ratell and music directed by Alex Marr. Costume design is by Victoria Mearini, lighting design is by Jason Potts, scenic design and technical direction is by Devin Gallo, and sound design is by Annabell Mallard. The stage manager is Faith Roush, the production stage manager is Tom Humes, and the props manager is Dani Vanasse. The assistant costume designer is Carolyn Janes.
"West Side Story" opens July 29 and runs through August 14. A preview performance will take place on July 28. Based on a conception by Jerome Robbins and with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet is transformed into a musical set in modern day New York City. When young lovers Tony and Maria find themselves star-crossed between two warring street gangs, the struggle to survive the hate, violence, and prejudice on the streets of the city.
"West Side Story" is directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, music directed by Jennifer Korecki, and choreographed by Martín Céspedes. Costume design is by Michelle Hunt Souza, lighting design is by Cynthia R. Stillings, scenic design is by Nolan O'Dell, and sound design is by Annabell Mallard. The technical director is Devin Gallo and the props manager is Dani Vanasse. Tom Humes is the production stage manager. The assistant director is Amy Fritsche, the assistant choreographer is Alexis Victoria Wilson, and the assistant costume designers are Lainey Bodenburg and Alyssa Hertz.
Subscriptions are on sale now via phone at 330-672-3884 or online at www.porthousetheatre.com.
Single and group tickets go on sale May 31, 2022. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Porthouse Box Office, online at www.porthousetheatre.com, or by phone at 330-672-3884. The Porthouse box office is located in the Roe Green lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH 44242. The box office hours are Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Media Contact:
Joni Koneval, 330-672-0116, jkoneval@kent.edu