LA PLATA — Theater fans have two more chances this fall to catch College of Southern Maryland productions: a final weekend of the cult musical “Little Shop of Horrors” and the premiere of a family comedy, “The Snow,” just ahead of the holidays.
“Little Shop of Horrors” opened Oct. 23 and returns for its final run Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. “The Snow” premieres Nov. 13 and runs through Nov. 22. Both shows have Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances, and tickets are $10, according to a CSM news release. Showtimes and tickets are on the college’s ticket website.
A man-eating plant and borrowed puppets
“Little Shop of Horrors” follows Seymour, a quiet assistant in a failing Skid Row flower shop who raises a talking, carnivorous plant. Director Dr. AnnMarie Saunders, CSM’s theater program coordinator, is staging it with a donated set of “growing” puppets previously used by McDonogh School in Owings Mills.
Saunders said the cast includes many new students, and that each new student adds their own talent to a production.
First-year theater student Krystal Walker plays Ronette, one of the three street urchins who serve as the show’s chorus. “Everyone has a part to play, whether it be the ensemble, main cast, tech, or directors,” she said.
Fellow first-year student Allison Bowser plays two ensemble roles, Skip Snip and an overworked Skid Row waitress. “If you want to see some cool puppeteering, an awesome set, and very talented people, you should come see the show,” she said.
A snowy quest for the whole family
“The Snow” centers on Teddy Sutton, a small child who leads the townspeople on a quest to save their village from a great snowfall. Tracy Labrie, directing her second CSM show, has cast a mix of new students and experienced community members. “The newer actors and students bring a fresh energy with them,” she said.
Arianna Tucker plays Teddy in her first lead role. She told the college she lost her voice after the first rehearsal, which pushed her to express more with her body.
Will Grebe, in his first lead and third play overall, plays Oliver. “It’s a family-friendly, hilarious script, that’s really good for getting into the holidays,” he said.
A program rebuilding
CSM’s theater program has grown steadily since productions resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the theater club relaunched as a Registered Student Organization in 2025, the college said. The productions add to a busy arts calendar at the college, which earlier this year hosted its 21st JazzFest in La Plata.
The college has also been leaning on campus activities to keep students engaged, an effort the Chronicle examined in its look at how CSM is using campus events to keep students enrolled.
