Welcome to Grand Center Arts Academy’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. The theatre department is honored to have you in the seats of our Sun Theater. When I assumed the role as Chair of Theatre and Dance five years ago, there was no musical theatre pathway and the theatre department, much like the entire school, was in its developmental stages. We produced a musical entitled The Power of One, written by the students who wanted to address issues youth deal with, such as bullying, low self-esteem/ peer pressure, neighborhood crime, education, sexuality, and parental relationships. It was the beginning of a vision to create and develop a theatre department which offered our students exposure to excellence in the arts, and an opportunity to not only develop their artistic voice, but nurture young students and empower them as lifelong learners……learners whose voices, thoughts, and feelings were important and valued.
In these times in our world, GOD knows we need an outlet of laughter, a departure from the 40 hour work weeks, and the chance to come together in a space where we can just let go, and support our youth. Little Shop of Horrors allows us this outlet, but within this farce of a man eating plant are some serious issues facing us today……..abuse of women (Me Too Movement), low self-esteem, poverty, homelessness, and the cloud of intense racial divide this country is experiencing.
This GCAA theatre staff has worked hard to bring you a production showcasing examples of what we can continue to believe in, to support, nurture, guide, challenge, and shower our youth love and an opportunity to express themselves in their art, while giving voice to some critical issues.
I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to direct and choreograph a show I’ve been wanting to do for years. I believe that when the bar is set high and we hold our students accountable for striving towards excellence in their art, character growth, and being positive role models in their community, they are empowered, and therefore better prepared to greet their future with courage and hope.
My sincere thanks to the GCAA Theatre staff, cast, crew, and parents for the all your hard work and sacrifices to help make this production a memorable experience. Special thanks to Brandon Riley.
“Be the Change that you wish to see in the world”…….Mahatma Gandhi
And in the meantime, Live! Love! Laugh!
Enjoy!
Mr. Keith
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