'Little Shop of Horrors' Role Fulfills a Dream for Molly McGuinness '26
The University of Scranton Players will present The Drama Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award-winning musical comedy, "Little Shop of Horrors," from Feb. 21 to 23 and Feb. 28 to March 2. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Royal Theatre in the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on campus.
Seymour Krelborn, a timid floral assistant, lives downtown on Skid Row. Constantly berated by his boss, Mr. Mushnik, and longing to be noticed by his beautifully-flawed co-worker, Audrey, Seymour discovers a mysterious plant in town. Aptly naming it the Audrey II, Seymour takes the plant back to his run-down flower shop. Unfortunately, the plant has a thirst for something other than water.
In the role of Audrey is Molly McGuinness '26, a communication sciences and disorders, and philosophy major. For McGuinness, the opportunity fulfills a childhood dream.
"'Little Shop of Horrors' has actually been my favorite show since I was in middle school, so I’m really thrilled to be able to be a part of it," said McGuinness, of Stewart Manor, New York, who entered the world of theater at age four.
Here she discusses her character, the benefits of performing with University Players, her top theater selections and more.
What is your role in "Little Shop of Horrors"? Please describe the character, and what you love and hate about them?
My role is Audrey, a sweet, naive, bleach blonde young woman who works in a flower shop on Skid Row. I love Audrey’s pure heart and positive attitude. She has a really beautiful soul, which is highlighted throughout the show. Something I dislike about Audrey is her lack of self-esteem which causes her to end up in a lot of awful situations.
When did your involvement with the arts begin? Please explain what inspired your interest.
My involvement with the arts began when I was four, in children’s theater. What I love about theater is the opportunity to explore varying worlds in a different person's shoes.
What do you enjoy most about performing with Scranton Players?
I enjoy the opportunity to meet and connect with new people that share the same interests as me.
What surprised you about this play and role, and live performance in general?
What surprised me is how much live music can add to a performance. We’re very lucky to have a live band. Singing and performing along with them has been so much fun.
Have you been involved in other theatre productions? If yes, please share details.
Yes! Here I’ve been Villain and Hope in "Almost Maine," Meg in "Little Women the Musical," and Jean in "Dead Man’s Cell Phone."
Before coming to Scranton, I took on a lot of other roles, including Princess Winifred in "Once Upon a Mattress," Jo March in "Little Women," Wednesday in "The Addams Family," and Cinderella in "Into the Woods."
Besides "Little Shop of Horrors," what are a few of your favorite stage shows?
Besides "Little Shop of Horrors," I’ve also always really enjoyed "Waitress."
How do you spend time during a five-minute break during rehearsal?
During a five-minute break I’m usually chatting with my castmates or catching up on some school work.
Aside from theatre, what is your favorite aspect of the University?
I’m also a part of the Women’s Crew Team, which has also been a really amazing part of my experience at Scranton. I really appreciate how you can be so involved in so many different things at Scranton!
Directed by Michael O’Steen, this celebrated, farcical production features music by Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and Tony Award-winners Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman ("The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin".)
