(bright upbeat music) - What could possibly go wrong when a giant man-eating plant promises fame and fortune?

Staged in Murray's newly-restored historic theater, Little Shop of Horrors features a live orchestra and a dynamic cast you've got to see.

Here to talk about this hit sci-fi musical are stars in their own right, Deena Manzanares and Cody Swenson.

Thank you so much for being here.

- Thank you for having us.

- Glad to be here.

- Cody, how excited are you to kick things off in the theater now that it's been renovated with this incredible show?

- Oh, so excited.

The theater itself will be perfect for this for this show.

It was restored back just a year ago from the way it was in 1938.

And it's the perfect space for this show and a great cast.

So excited.

- Yeah.

And I feel like Little Shop of Horrors, it has a cult following of people who've loved it since the 1960s.

What does it mean to you to bring that to life on this stage?

- This is so special to me.

I was born in Murray, went to high school in Murray, so to perform there is so wonderful.

But I played this role years ago.

This was before I became a mom, before I had the life experience that I have now.

So I think it's another chance to bring some depth to it.

I love the role of Audrey.

She is so heartbreaking, but you also get these iconic numbers.

So to get to do all of this is such an actor's dream.

- [Liz] Yeah, it is.

You have to flex a lot of different chops.

There's the dramatic side of it, but then there's also the love story and the comedy, which I love that you guys are bringing in this horror show, in October, that families can actually enjoy, right, Cody?

- It's the perfect show for October.

And the cast is amazing.

I mean, she's amazing and the rest of the cast is equally as amazing, and it's a diverse cast, which we love.

And so yeah, so excited.

- Yeah, we have that representation and we also have actors who, we're weeks into this process, I'm still getting the chills.

I'm still getting choked up.

I am in awe of the talent that's been assembled and I'm just so excited to share it with audiences and with that live orchestra and that energy.

- I love that.

Well, thank you so much for stopping by.

If you would like to check out Little Shop of Horrors at Murray Theater, it's happening October 23rd through the 30th.

Just head to murraytix.com for more details and to get your tickets.

I'm Liz Adeola.

Thank you so much for watching Contact.

(bright upbeat music) Philanthropy, arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Liz Adeola, the new host of “Contact,” a show that connec with local events and organizati that serve your community.

If you work for a nonprofit and to be on “Contact,” please visit pbsutah.org/contact