Some Assembly Required

April showers bring May flowers but at Upstart Crow Studios there is definitely something growing, and growing...and growing. Yes, Audrey II is in the building. Generously loaned to us from Mary Huls, director of a Junction City theater group. Although these seedlings are neatly potted, the final pod will need some "dental" work. Dr. Hoolala, not a dentist or a botanist, has offered to risk life and limb as he goes inside Twooey and fix the missing tooth.

Rehearsals going well with the cast focused on staying out of the pod as they learn the choreography and songs for this dark comedy of plant versus nerd. The Entr'Actes offer a light hearted look at this people eater and the Doo Wop sisters are certainly doing their best to tell the story of a misunderstood 6 foot man eating plant with sass and class.

You won't want to miss this wild musical theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors on May 21 - 23rd. Be sure to put this people eater on your menu, before you find yourself on his!

Tickets on sale now so no whining when you get to the door and find this Little Shop is closed!

Rave In The Nave

Stage Door took the stage this past weekend in Portland at Rave In The Nave, an annual performing arts series at the Christ United Methodist Church. Joined by the resident dance company, All That! Dance, the students at Upstart Crow Studios performed dance, song and drama surrounded by a live audience on a theatre in the half round stage.

Performing their 20 minute show entitled, Defying Gravity, members of the Stage Door Team appeared to be working the audience with humor and style as they opened the show with Seize The Day, a powerful number from Disney's Newsies. The show is filled with other Disney hits, such as I Just Can't Wait To Be King and Spoonful of Sugar, all defining the character of the upstart crow and the resolve to be the best that you can be while ultimately defying the gravity of being different and unique.

All That! took the stage by storm with a hot salsa number. From modern to ballet to ballroom the crowd watched the dancers move with power and grace across the dance floor. The boys hip hop group brought cheers from the audience as they artfully moved to the beat.

Prior to the performance, Stage Door members had the pleasure of working with Devon Allen, the head of Acting at Portland State University. She along with her partner, Matthew, worked with the students on volume, relaxation, a bit of Shakespeare and some intense work with the chairs!

Stage Door moves into Little Shop of Horrors rehearsals these next few weeks. With Audrey II about to make its appearance, things are about to get creepy at the Crow...if you don't mind being on the menu, why don't you join us!

So Many Shows, So Little Time

The vote is in! We are headed into the Summer Stock season on the coat tails of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat this coming July. It was a tough and close call between Joseph and Singing In The Rain. With Auditions in June quickly approaching, we are gearing up for mounting this show in an intense 3 weeks of rehearsals July 5 - 23rd. You won't want to miss out on this show. So here is a shout out to all the guys - Joseph needs brothers! Stay tuned for audition dates.

Had the unique pleasure of sitting in the audience for Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog produced by Blue Monkey Theatre Company in Portland. What a fun experience for both audience and cast! This show has been on UCS wish list for the past year and we hope to bring it to Eugene in the 2010 season. If you get a chance, schlep on up to the Pacific Crest Community Theatre and check it out. You can also watch it from Netflix. You may find yourself laughing hysterically or better yet an evil maniacal laugh! Check your freeze ray at the door!

Rehearsals begin for Little Shop of Horrors with Entr'actes highlighting this one act dark humor play. Stage Door Production Team will take the lead on this show with younger members also appearing in the fun entr'actes we have planned. Rather than take reprise numbers entr'acte cast members will have their own show within a show with doo wop and modern day numbers to compliment Audrey II, eating up the audience with song and dance. You don't want to miss out on tickets for this Maneater!

Summer camp listings will also be out this coming week of April 5th. The fun never stops and with camps in How To Tame A Dragon and Mother Goose on The Loose there will be much to crow about! Take your vacation at the Crow!