LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music Alan Menken
Directed by Joshua Symonds
July 10- August 2
A horror comedy rock musical, the story follows hapless florist shop worker, Seymour, who pines for co-worker Audrey. During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. The growing plant attracts a great deal of attention for the previously struggling store.
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Caitlyn Curl
Chiffon
Caitlyn is super excited to spend some time Downtown with this show. Some past roles include Janis in MEAN GIRLS, Titus’s U/S in THE CRUCIBLE, and Ensemble in IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE. Big thanks to all the cast and crew, and to anyone who’s given her a ride to or from a rehearsal! She hopes you have fun and remember to NOT feed the plants!
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James Paul Gregory
Seymour
James is beyond excited to return to Masquers Playhouse! As an actor, singer, and overall “guy with voice,” James has performed in such productions as THE MUSIC MAN (Marcellus Washburn), ROMEO & JULIET (Benvolio / Paris), THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Philip Bax / Bazzard), and THE MIRACLE WORKER (James Keller). He’s also directed short films as well as youth theatre, and has worked on independent films, Hollywood productions, and commercials as an actor and production assistant. He thanks his family, friends, and mentors for their love and support, and this wonderful creative team for the opportunity to play a dream role alongside this fabulous ensemble!
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Dahlia Guidos
Crystal
Dahlia is thrilled to be involved in her first Masquers Playhouse production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS as Crystal. She has appeared in several productions at Alhambra High School. Soon after graduating, she landed the role of Sandy Cheeks in SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL at Diablo Valley College. Dahlia attends DVC to pursue studies in communications and theater. Singing and writing poetry are just a couple of creative pursuits she loves to engage in, along with performing. Many thanks to her family and close friends for their unwavering love and support during her journey.
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Cassidy Hill
Ronnette
Cassidy (they/them) is no stranger to the stage, both as a musician and an actor. Credits include: Eamon in ONCE (Berkeley Playhouse), Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (OneStage Theatre), Betty in PICKPOCKET (Musical Cafe), Rafiki & Dr. Facilier in WISH UPON A STAR (Peter Pan Foundation), Jane Seymour in HER-STORY-MIX (Peter Pan Foundation), and more! Special thanks to their wife, Danika, and to Richard Jennings, their incredible vocal coach!
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Cory Kahane
Orin, Wino, Skip Snip, Luz, Bernstine, & Patrick
Cory is deeply grateful to be making his Masquers Playhouse debut. Recent credits include Benedick in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and Orlando in AS YOU LIKE IT (The Foodbank Players). Regional credits include Jonah in BAD JEWS (English Theatre Frankfurt, Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, Theatre Wit). Film credits include THE CHEATING PACT (Lifetime). Education: BFA, The Theatre School at DePaul University.
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John Mannion
Mushnik
John is a retired advertising executive, now a full-time Bay Area theatre hobbyist. Highlights — Georges in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Theatre Rhinoceros), Roger DeBris in THE PRODUCERS (Hillbarn Theatre), Franklin Hart in 9 TO 5 and Lenny Ganz in RUMORS (Coastal Repertory Theatre), Frank Gianelli in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS (City Lights Theatre), Judge Turpin in SWEENEY TODD (Sunnyvale Players), Jim/Captain Hook in FOR PETER PAN ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY (Pear Theatre), Gyp DeCarlo in JERSEY BOYS (Palo Alto Players), and various stage roles at the Eugene O’Neill Foundation. Huge thanks to his family/friends for their enthusiastic encouragement.
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Soline Mason
Plant Operator 2 / Ensemble
Soline (she/they) is ecstatic to be returning to Skid Row and joining the Masquers family. She has been acting since she was five, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has always been one of her favorites. Some roles she has enjoyed playing in the past are Snoopy YOU’RE GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (LSOH), Javert in LES MISERABLES, and Roger in RENT. Thank you and enjoy the show!
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Benjamin Pierson
Voice of the Plant
Benjamin is excited to perform once again at Masquers Playhouse. He made his theatre debut in the Masquers production of CLYBOURNE PARK in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has performed in INTIMATE APPAREL (OnStage Production), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA and PUFFS (Tri-Valley Theatre Company), THE COLOR PURPLE (Pittsburg Theatre Company), and JEKYLL & HYDE (Woodminster Summer Musicals). He would like to thank the cast & crew of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and all his family and friends for all their support.
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Megan Ratto
Audrey
Megan is thrilled to make her Masquers debut! As a Bay Area native, she works as a voice actor and has been featured in a number of projects, including various commercials and video games such as Gord (Raven) and Dark City: Barcelona (Agatha). Endless love and thanks to all of her friends, family, and teachers for their support, and to Mochi the dog and Lychee the cat for their constant shenanigans.
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Olivia Mazel Reed
Plant Operator 1 / Ensemble
Olivia is a puppeteer and visual artist with a deep love for storytelling, design, and larger-than-life characters. She has been obsessed with musicals since she was little and has dreamed of being in one for many years—so performing as Audrey II in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS feels like a perfect, surreal collision of passions that she’s still pinching herself about. Her past work includes performances at Children’s Fairyland, the Fratello Marionettes, and the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, where she brings puppets to life for audiences of all ages. When she isn’t on stage, Olivia is either petting cats, playing pool, or drawing.
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Venee Call-Ferrer
Properties Manager / Marketing
Venee is a Designer, Director, & Actor. She is known for her Costume Design for CALENDAR GIRLS at Masquers & her Set Design for RIVER BRIDE, and YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY at Chanticleer's; MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at OSVP; and RESERVATIONS at Ross Valley Players. She has also done Production Design for award-winning independent films such as LESBIAN STRAIGHTS, MONA’S NORTH BEACH NOIR, & CONCERTO FOR ABIGAIL. Her favorite acting roles include Veronica Cray, THE HOLLOWS at San Leandro Players; Beatrice, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at OSVP; Sarah Weddington, AN IMPROVIDENT & EXTRAVAGANT EXERCISE OF POWER at Marin Fringe Festival; & Jesse, SWEAT at Benicia Theater Group.
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Isa S. Chu
Stage Manager / Vocal Coach
Isa (she/her) is a vocalist, actor, and educator who enjoys performing as a way to share art, love, and community. Some of her favorite roles have been Christmas Eve in AVENUE Q (Chabot College), Ruth in CALENDAR GIRLS (Masquers), Donna/Oolie in CITY OF ANGELS (Pinole Players), and Noelle in WONDERTHON (Plethos Productions). She is also a vocal coach and musical theater instructor working with performers of all ages to develop confidence, artistry, and authentic self-expression. She is on the faculty of San Francisco's A.C.T. Young Conservatory, adjudicates for the Sara Bareilles Awards, and writes reviews for Theatrius as a member of the SFBATCC.
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Kylee Fernandez
Choreographer
Kylee is honored to make her debut as a choreographer for LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Masquers! She is so grateful to be working alongside such a kind, enthusiastic, and accepting group of creatives. She would like to thank the director, Joshua, for bringing her ideas back down to earth, and the cast for working above and beyond. She hopes you find as much silliness and whimsy as she does in the show. Please enjoy, and don’t feed the plants!
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Brycen Rivera
Crew
Brycen is a freshman at Hercules High School and lives in Hercules, California. He has performed in four productions with the Hercules High School Drama Club, including MATILDA THE MUSICAL, Disney’s ALADDIN JR., THE WIZARD OF OZ, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Outside of theater, Brycen enjoys visual art, particularly traditional styles, as well as music. He has four years of experience playing tenor saxophone and has also studied percussion instruments and guitar. In addition to his artistic interests, Brycen participates in track and field, specializing in sprints, and also runs cross country.
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Joshua Symonds
Director / Set Designer
Joshua is a character actor and director who has worked with theaters all across the East Bay Area. His favorite directing credits include CLUE: On Stage, MATILDA THE MUSICAL, ALADDIN, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: THE MUSICAL. Thank you for supporting live theater! He dedicates his work on this production to Marjorie.
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Joyce Thrift
Production Manager
Joyce has a Master's in Theatrical Production from Southern Oregon University’s collaboration with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to train theater educators. She honed her production skills while teaching and directing high school theater for 20 years. Since retiring from education, she has become a valued support person and member of our staff here at the Masquers. -
Charlee VanWinkle
Crew
Charlee is a student at Hercules High School who has worked on three productions with the drama club there, both acting and helping backstage. He is excited to continue his theater career outside of school!
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