ON STAGE THIS WEEKEND: Star vocalist plays voice of iconic Audrey II plant in Little Shop of Horrors at Gremlin Theatre

Renowned vocalist, Patricia Lacy Aiken, brings her powerhouse voice to the stage as the iconic, man-eating plant, Audrey II, in Theatre 55’s musical production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Gremlin Theatre in St. Paul. The show features an all-55-and-older cast, celebrating their talents in the timeless cult classic.

Tickets are still available to the show at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20, 21 and 22, and for the 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 22.

No stranger to the stage, Lacy Aiken is a 30-year veteran of the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness and former backup singer for Luthor Vandross. This is her fourth production with Theatre 55, which serves the broader mission to encourage seasoned artists ages 55 and up to rediscover their passion for performing. Theatre 55 provides lifelong learning opportunities through theatre performance and educational classes.

“Theater gives those of us over that age that normally get to the back shelf of things an opportunity to come back out and do things we’ve always wanted to do,” said Lacy Aiken, who has always dreamed of playing the voice of Audrey II.

Lacy Aiken recently spoke to ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com founder and community activist, Sheletta Brundidge, about taking creative chances at every stage of life, and about the unique family-like bond she and her Little Shop of Horrors castmates built over the course of putting together the production.

“Everybody has to trust each other to make sure that we’re all going to cross that finish line together,” said Lacy Aiken, who stressed the trust and collaboration that comes with pulling a production together in a tight timeline. In addition to her role, Lacy Aiken helped fellow cast members during rehearsals, offering vocal coaching tips and line practice.

Brundidge, who recently saw and loved the show, quickly felt the tight knit camaraderie of the cast, and was inspired by the synergy on stage. “I really love the way Theatre 55 is putting together productions for those of us who are seasoned saints and still have a lot of talent to give – they give us the opportunity to showcase that talent,” said Brundidge.

Lacy Aiken emphasized how working with seasoned actors brings a mutual respect and open communication. Disagreements aren’t swept under the rug – they’re addressed with direct, caring conversations that leave everyone laughing and hugging in the end.

She and Brundidge believe there is something truly special about working with people your own age because it comes with mutual respect and understanding of adult problem-solving that brings refreshing change.

“It’s not about excluding younger folks; it’s about shared experiences, maturity and a drama-free environment where everyone knows how to handle criticism without taking things personally,” said Brundidge. “There’s also comfort in bonding over references to Happy Days, Woody Woodpecker or the Jetsons without having to explain.”

A strong supporter of Theatre 55’s mission, Lacy Aiken says whether you’ve spent decades raising a family or focusing on a career, it’s never too late to step into the spotlight. During the pandemic, she had to put the brakes on performing to care for her mother, and is appreciative to now be in the position to pursue her performing passion, and connect with all of the different people in the production.

Her advice to folks considering auditioning for a future Theatre 55 production is “Do not be afraid to come in and do an audition because it’s just going to give you more courage and determination to get out and do what you’ve always wanted to do.”

Based on the Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, film by Roger Corman and screenplay by Charles Griffith, Little Shop of Horrors promises theatre goers laughter, inspiration and a reminder that life’s later acts can be the most fulfilling of all.

Little Shop of Horror tickets are available for 7 p.m. showtimes on Feb. 20-22 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 22 at Theatre 55 in the Gremlin Theatre in St. Paul.

Ticket cost is $35, with discounted $20 tickets available at theatre55.org. Information about future audition opportunities and classes is also available on the Theatre 55 website.