The dentistry business in town may be in for a bit of a slump after the opening of the Musical Theatre Guild's spring production “Little Shop of Horrors” on April 26.

The show is based on the book by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Ashman, with the film version by Roger Corman and screenplay by Charles Griffith.

Several area actors will reprise their roles from MTG's fall 2001 presentation of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

The show is under the direction of Tammy Mathas Erkman of Ellwood City, who has a soft spot for the play and one of its leading men.

“My dad wasn't really 'into' musical theater, but he was the first to tell me about the “Little Shop of Horrors” movie in the 1980s. This was one show we always enjoyed together, so when I had the opportunity to direct it, I was thrilled,” said Erkman, who is dedicating the show to her dad as well as to the cast and crew members who did not have the opportunity to reprise their roles from the 2001 cast.

Though not a first for Erkman, she will be directing her husband Patrick, who portrays the dentist.

“When we get to the theater, my rule is that our roles change from 'spouse/spouse' to 'director/actor.' I try to treat everyone the same on the set,” she said. “It is so difficult to find a true character actor, but Butler has one in Patrick. And on top of that, he is willing to take direction and incorporate my suggestions in his performance so he is a true pleasure for any director.”

A show that has been done before plus has two movie versions to its credit can get a “been there seen that” label, but Erkman is quick to point out that this show will be different from what many may remember.

“When I direct a show, I like to add my own little twists. I think audiences will be excited to see some of their favorites on stage together again, not to mention some of the surprises we have planned ... as well as those surprises that might just happen,” she said.

Her husband Patrick playing Dr. Orin Scrivello, “a nasty dentist with a gas dependency,” dons the white coat for a second time.

“I am having a great time with cast members both new and old and am honored to be working with outstanding veterans like Jerry Johnston, Bob Dandoy, Marge Bankert and Paula Baptiste on stage,” he said.

Julia (Kramer) Szazynski of Shaler also takes a second shot at this show in the same character, Audrey.

“She is essentially a physically and emotionally abused woman who lives in a dead end town with no type of substantial future on the horizon. She is sweet despite her near zero self esteem,” said Szazynski, who was unnecessarily nervous about auditioning.

“The experience has been nothing short of amazing; I've been waiting for MTG to do this show again for over 10 years, plus I was really nervous about being able to still have what it took to get the part of Audrey again all these years later.

“What surprised me the most was when I had to change my voice the first time to have that signature high pitched New York accent that Audrey has. When it came back so easily, I knew I was good to go,” she said.

David Halin of Center Township will once again put on the cap of Seymour Krelborn, the sweet hapless, naïve and shy employee of a florist shop.

“He was orphaned as a boy and the owner of the shop, Mr. Mushnik, takes him in and gives him a job. Seymour longs for greater success and to someday get out of Skid Row,” said Halin, who is also doubling as the set designer.

“I remember some of the lines ... I have been listening to the recording ever since the first time we did the show in 2001,” said Halin who is challenged by recreating the character without repeating what he did the last time.

Mushnik is being played this go round by Jerry Johnston of Butler Township.

“Mushnik is an old fashioned, crotchety, somewhat callous fellow whose business is going nowhere until the discovery of a new plant species by Seymour,” said Johnston.

The role was portrayed by the late Kenny Schreffler in the 2001 production. “I can only strive to live up to his performance,” Johnston said. “The added bonus is that I get to share the stage with old pal Bob Dandoy and long-time friends Robin and Phil Kriley.”

Audrey II is the “man eating” plant around which the plot centers and will be played by Bob Dandoy of Butler. He'll be the voice while Ric Medic will be the operator. The two will have to collaborate.

“Our efforts must be synchronized — no surprises from either of us. The role is also a challenging one in that we've got to make a man-eating plant into a likable, fun character,” said Dandoy, who points out the show is a musical comedy after all.

“For the voice, I keep trying to channel my inner Barry White,” Dandoy said.

<b>WHO: </b>Musical Theatre Guild of Butler<b>WHAT: </b>“Little Shop of Horrors”<b>WHEN: </b>8 p.m. April 26 and 27 and 3 p.m. April 28<b>WHERE: </b>Succop Theater at Butler County Community College<b>TICKETS: </b>$17, available at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., during the hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, or by calling 724-287-8243<b>INFO: </b>724-287-8243