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Arts & Entertainment

'Little Shop' Opens on Sacred Heart Stage

Director Jerry Goehring spearheads new minor in theater arts by expanding the university's program.

Even in the stage and film industry, it’s rare for directors to get singled out for their artistic contributions, except during award season. They’re typically the creative force behind a project and the one who ensures it’s success, although they may not receive applause or recognition.

This weekend the curtain rises on “Little Shop of Horrors,” a campy, spoof musical, with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, at Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. And, although it's usually the man-eating, blood-thirsty plant, called Audrey II, that takes center stage, the show’s leading actors commended Executive Director of the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts Jerry Goehring for his role in spearheading the production and expanding the school’s programming to include a minor in theater arts.   

Based on the rapid growth of SHU's theater arts department, the school is adding a “minor” to its curriculum. Goehring said that in the next couple of years, as the program continues to expand; they will also be able to major in theater arts.

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“He has made huge strides here,” said Jacqui Delgado, 20, of Stratford. As a freshman, Jacqui was part of the SHU Players, a small group of actors that was founded before Goehring's arrival. Since he's come on board, though, she’s witnessed firsthand the department’s growth. She said that it’s hard not to see his commitment to the arts and the Sacred Heart community.

Paul Cappadona, 21, of Avon, agreed. “It blows my mind how he can juggle all of his responsibilities,” Cappadona stated.

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He will portray the lead role of Seymour, the nerdy flower shop worker who feeds Audrey II, in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Filled with 1960’s styled rock and roll music, the musical had its initial opening Off-Broadway in 1982 before moving to a Broadway stage a year later.

Last season Cappadona was thrilled to have the opportunity to play “Mark” in Sacred Heart University’s production of “Rent,” which was also produced under Goehring’s tutelage. His leading lady in “Rent”, as in “Little Shop”, is Lindsay McGrath, 25. McGrath said that Goehring's directorial support has set the bar high for her next project. In fact, she’s betting that no one could come close to providing the cast with such a nurturing learning environment.

McGrath stated, “I've learned a lot from him. The passion that he has for the performing arts is inspiring. I've never worked with a director as inspiring as Jerry, and I'm afraid that I'm going to be disappointed now by the next director I work with.”

The cast members also expressed appreciation for the hard work demonstrated by choreographer Simone DePaolo and musical director Leo P. Carusone.

Along with performing in national touring companies of “Smokey Joe’s Café” and international cruise ships, DePaolo is the assistant artistic director at D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre in Fairfield.

“Incoming students don't realize the huge efforts that they've made in getting this program off its feet,” McGrath added.

Before arriving at Sacred Heart, McGrath also performed professionally on cruise ships and in regional theater after she graduated from New York’s renowned LaGuardia School of the Performing Arts. In May, McGrath will graduate from SHU with a major in Biology. She has applied for graduate school to study occupational therapy but said that she might head back to New York City’s audition circuit.

McGrath’s family has ties to Fairfield County because her mother, Laura Candee McGrath, grew up in Easton and graduated from Joel Barlow High School.

Sarah Loso, 18, a native of Shelton, is another local student involved in “Little Shop of Horrors.” As a freshman, she was delighted to be cast as one of the Chiffons, the all-girl choir that sings rock harmonies in the show. Although she admitted that she’s “undecided” about what she’ll eventually major in, Loso is confident that she would like to continue appearing on SHU’s stage and pursue a “minor” in theater arts.

“I love this program and I want to be involved for the next three years,” she stated.

As he gets the program underway, Goehring shared that a long-term goal is to establish a summer stock theater company at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. He envisions a place that would allow students to perform alongside of professional actors brought in for a five-show summer season. This summer, though, the theater will be closed so that upgrades could be made to the facility.

Along with his SHU responsibilities, Goehring is also the Producing Artistic Director of the Connecticut Children's Theatre, a professional national touring company for children and families that he co-founded 14 years ago. His stellar resume also includes serving as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Tony Award-winning National Theatre of the Deaf and establishing The Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston.

“Little Shop” will be performed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults; $15, for Sacred Heart University staff and faculty, and seniors; and $10, for students with a valid ID.

For more information, call the box office at 203-371-7908 or go online at EdgertonCenter.org. 

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