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Grant Bryan, right, slowly comes to terms with what the carnivorous plant he has been raising actually wants in\u00a0the San Pedro Playhouse production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Charlie Blalock\/For the Express-News<\/p>\n
The San Pedro Playhouse\u2019s<\/a> production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors\u201d<\/a> has all the bloodshed, dark comedy and increasingly menacing\u00a0puppetry that brings fans out in droves.<\/p>\n Director Chris Berry wanted to underscore another element as well: A little bit of tenderness.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Grant Bryan plays Seymour\u00a0Krelborn, a botanist who unwittingly takes in a carnivorous plant, in the San Pedro Playhouse’s production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Charlie Blalock\/For the Express-News<\/p>\n The show\u2019s big finale on Halloween is one of a slew of spooky options for San Antonio residents looking for ways to celebrate, including grown-up parties at clubs, movies, and all kinds of family-friendly options.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Shop\u201d is recommended for audiences ages 12 and up.<\/p>\n The musical is about a bloodthirsty plant dubbed Audrey II bent on global domination. It also includes a love story between coworkers in a Skid Row flower shop. Seymour (Grant Bryan) is a sad sack who unwittingly takes in the plant and makes it worryingly big and strong. He names it for Audrey (Nicole Rey Phoenix), an insecure coworker who has had terrible luck with men.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Audrey fantasizes about the life she imagines the two of them could share far from Skid Row in \u201cSomewhere That\u2019s Green.” She sings of them raising children in\u00a0a little house where they snuggle on the plastic-covered sofa while they watch television.<\/p>\n While she sings, dancers perform a romantic dream ballet.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to show Audrey\u2019s perfect vision of what the dream looks like in her head and so that\u2019s really what the dancers represented,\u201d Berry said. \u201cAnd then when the stage is left empty with her alone on Skid Row, I felt like it was that much more impactful.\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin Cox who plays Orin Scrivello, a sadistic dentist, in the San Pedro Playhouse production of\u00a0 \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Charlie Blalock\/For the Express-News<\/p>\n Berry’s wife, Paige Blend Berry, choreographed the show, including the dream ballet. She is a gifted performer as well. Her credits include portraying Audrey in the Woodlawn Theatre\u2019s 2017 production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Chris Berry is a talented actor, too, and he shared the stage with her in that production. He played Orin Scrivello, DDS, the sadistic dentist whom Audrey dates until he vanishes. He reprised the role a few months later at the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Ala.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was really fun to be on the production side of it, having been in it on two different occasions,\u201d Berry said.<\/p>\n This is the second time the musical has been staged in the city this year. The first was the debut offering by the University of Texas at San Antonio\u2019s fledgling dramatic arts program. The Playhouse engaged two of the puppeteers who worked on that show \u2013 Sophia Ramirez and Paul Anthony Martinez \u2013 to bring the plant to life this time around, too. (Darcell Andre provides the voice.)<\/p>\n Puppeteer\u00a0Bradley Freeman\u00a0Jr.,<\/a> who directed the UTSA show and who also works on \u201cSesame Street,\u201d served as a consultant.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cWe had really, really great staff and puppeteers around the implementation and use of these puppets,\u201d Berry said. \u201cIt was cool.\u201d<\/p>\n Final performances of \u201cLittle Shop\u201d are at 7:30\u00a0p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2\u00a0p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater of the playhouse, 800 W. Ashby. Tickets range from $35 to $65.<\/p>\n The big finale on Halloween will be followed by a post-show party. The VIP Faint of Heart package costs $25 and includes the party as well as early entry for trick-or-treating around the theater and access to the VIP bar line. The VIP Not Faint of heart package costs $50 and includes all of that as well as a post-show meet-and-greet with the puppets, access to VIP lounge areas and entry into a costume contest.<\/p>\n Tickets and info can be found at\u00a0sanpedroplayhouse.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Other Halloween-themed options this weekend include:<\/p>\n The Overtime Theater has revived “Doctor S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies: The Movie: The Musical” as part of its 20th anniversary season.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Charlie Blalock\/For the Express-News<\/p>\n Theater<\/p>\n \u201cDr. S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies: The Movie: The Musical\u201d: The Overtime Theater is reviving its first big hit as part of the company\u2019s 20th anniversary season. Co-writers Bryan Ortiz, Evan Boston and James Hartz re-wrote the script, which is funnier and builds to a thrilling finale. The show tells the story of a mysterious doctor who attempts to save a small town beset by stoned zombies. Costumes are encouraged Friday, and Halloween is \u201cdress like Dr. S\u201d night. There also will be a free post-show party at 10:30\u00a0p.m. Halloween including\u00a0karaoke, music and prizes. The company also will officially announce their 21st season that evening. 8\u00a0p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 14 \u2013 with additional shows at 8 p.m. Nov. 5 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 \u2013 at the Overtime Theater, 4335 Vance Jackson, No. 103-104. $15 to $20; the Nov. 5 show is pay-what-you-wish. Tickets and info, theovertimetheater.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n RELATED: Overtime Theater reanimates ‘Dr. S’<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cDracula: A Comedy of Errors\u201d: La B\u00eate Productions follows its intense production of \u201cOne Flew Over the Cuckoo\u2019s Nest\u201d with something Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen\u2019s gender-bending spoof of Bram Stoker\u2019s spooky tale. Five actors play dozens of characters in the show. There are just a few shows left in the run, including a late-night staging on Halloween including food and drink. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Oct. 30, 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov 1, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 and 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Oct. 31, Woodlawn Pointe, 702 Donaldson. $25 for most shows; $65 for the Halloween late show, which includes food and drink. Tickets and info, labeteproductions.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Bars and clubs<\/p>\n Tainted Love Halloween Party: Costumes are encouraged at this ’80s dance party with DJ The General and DJ El\u00a0Gato spinning vinyl. 9 p.m. Friday, Bang Bang Bar, 119 El Mio Drive, thebangbangbartx.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Boo\u00a0Fest \u201926: Live, local music, costumes and vendors are the treats at this spot. The lineup includes Collective Dreams, Ri\u00a2h, CNMN, Donella Drive and Scripts. Doors 8 p.m. Friday, Hi-Tones, 621 Dewey Place, Instagram: @hitones_sa.<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n Blade Rave: It\u2019s a dance party with fangs. 9\u00a0p.m. Friday, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary\u2019s St., papertigersatx.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Scream\u00a0Fest: Lynwood King and the Revival (formerly the Heroine) headline this hard-rocking Halloween weekend concert. \u00a08 p.m. Friday, Fitzgerald\u2019s, 437 McCarty Road, fitzrockssa.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Murder on the\u00a0Dancefloor: The Bang Bang Bar takes another stab at Halloween with music by DJ Doomdance. 10 p.m. Saturday, Bang Bang Bar, 119 El Mio Drive, thebangbangbartx.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Zombie Prom: Here\u2019s where to find out if zombies are fast dancers or slow dancers. Music by DJ The General. 8\u00a0p.m. Saturday, Gimme Gimme, 803 S. St. Mary\u2019s St., Instagram: @bargimmegimme.<\/a><\/p>\n The San Antonio Zoo has made some changes for Halloween and Zoo Boo.<\/p>\n Courtesy San Antonio Zoo<\/p>\n Family fun<\/p>\n Zoo Boo: The San Antonio Zoo\u2019s annual Halloween celebration includes seasonal treats as well as trick-or-treating at 4 p.m. daily through Nov. 1. A new addition this year is Fiesta de los Muertos, a Day of the Dead celebration including culturally inspired art, face painting and Ofrenda de Animales,\u00a0which honors animals who have made an impact. On Halloween, the zoo will be open until 9 p.m. and special activities will take place throughout the day and after dark. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary\u2019s. Included with zoo admission, which costs $8 Saturday. Regular admission ranges from $31 to $40 and is free for children under 3. Info and tickets, sazoo.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Trick-or-Treat at the\u00a0DoSeum: The children\u2019s museum\u2019s Halloween celebration includes trick-or-treating as well as all sorts of other activities, including one in which little ones can build their own treat bags. There will be a DJ, bubble foam and a dance party, too.\u00a05:30 p.m. Saturday Doseum, 2800 Broadway. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $15 for adults and $20 for children, thedoseum.org.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Halloween Book Party: Author Carmen\u00a0Tafolla and illustrator Thelma Ortiz Muraida will give a dramatic reading of their book \u201cThe Donkey Lady,\u201d which explores the urban legend. The party also includes a costume contest and a Donkey Lady pizza party. The reading is aimed at children ages 9 and up; younger children for whom it might be too intense will be able to take part in a picture book read-along.\u00a03\u00a0 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Latino Book Store, 1300 Guadalupe. Free. Info, guadalupeculturalarts.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Halloween Artfest: The Contemporary\u2019s kid-friendly celebration includes art activities, a photo booth, lots of candy and a dog costume contest. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Contemporary at Blue Star, 116 Blue Star. Free. Info, contemporarysa.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Parties<\/p>\n Cumbiaween: Disco Alfresco\u2019s Halloween party will feature psychedelic cumbia by Gio Chamba, a lowrider trunk-or-treat and a market. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary\u2019s St. $14.98 in advance, $25.70 day of party, Instagram: @disco.alfresco.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n MORE SCARES: Guide to haunted houses, theme parks and other attractions with Halloween bashes<\/a><\/p>\n Halloween Dance Party: This spooky celebration will have music, a costume contest and tarot card readers. 6-9\u00a0p.m. Friday, Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. St. Mary\u2019s St. Free; RSVP at saparks.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Halloween\u00a0Spooktacular: Kids can dress up and collect candy at this Halloween party at the Spurs\u2019 North Side campus. The party also will feature a DJ, Halloween crafts and a spooky petting zoo. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way. Free; RSVP at therockatlacantera.com.<\/a><\/p>\n “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is among the movies being screened for Halloween at San Antonio theaters.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 20th Century Fox<\/p>\n Movies<\/p>\n Screenings are Saturday unless noted:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cHocus\u00a0Pocus\u201d double feature: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Namimy star in the 1993 Disney comedy about reincarnated witches and its 2022 sequel. 7 p.m. Friday, The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way. Free, therockatlacantera.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cScream\u201d: \u00a0It\u2019s been 30 years since the Ghostface Killer came to Woodsboro and launched the meta-horror franchise starring Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. In theaters across the city.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Rocky Horror Picture Show\u201d: Tim Curry stars in the camp classic horror musical about a young couple\u2019s encounter with Dr.\u00a0Frank-N-Furter. Alamo Drafthouse Park North, Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak, Flix Brewhouse San Antonio.<\/p>\n \u201cHalloween\u201d: Michael\u00a0Myers is unleased in John Carpenter\u2019s classic 1978 slasher film starring Jamie Lee Curtis. In theaters across the city.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cTrick ‘r Treat\u201d: The cast of this 2007 horror anthology includes Brian Cox, Anna Paquin and Dylan Baker. Regal Alamo Quarry, Regal Live Oak.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Nightmare Before Christmas\u201d: Halloween\u2019s become routine, so Jack\u00a0Skellington sets his sights on Christmas and Santa Clause in the stop-motion animation classic. In theaters across the city.<\/p>\n \u201cTerrifier 3\u201d: The third entry in the horror franchise featuring Art the Clown is back in theaters for a quick, bloody run. In theaters across the city.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cHell House\u00a0LLC\u201d: In this found-footage horror film from 2015, a documentary crew investigates a deadly incident at a haunted house. Regal Alamo\u00a0Quarry, Regal\u00a0Cielo Vista, Regal Live Oak.<\/p>\n \u201cPractical Magic\u201d: Slab\u00a0Cinem is screening the 1998 movie about sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) with magical abilities and a family curse that wreaks havoc on their love lives. Dusk Friday, Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston. Free,\u00a0westonurban.com\/legacy-park<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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