Celebrate the Seasons with CSM Productions of Little Shop of Horrors and The Snow

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) theater program is bringing both Halloween fright and holiday cheer to life with two fall productions, offering students and community members opportunities to take the stage, connect, and showcase their talents.  

Little Shop of Horrors debuted Friday, Oct. 23. The Snow will premiere on Nov. 13.  

Krystal Walker is a first-year theater student at CSM. She performed Little Shop of Horrors in high school, and is now playing the role of Ronette, one of the three chorusing street urchins. This show is the first step into what she hopes leads to a career on stage.  

“Theater is everything to me and it felt amazing to bring this show back to life at a different theater with all kinds of well-rounded talent,” Walker said. “Everyone has a part to play, whether it be the ensemble, main cast, tech, or directors. I hope everyone can see the work, effort, and love that we put into this.”  

Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of a failing flower shop in Skid Row and Seymour, the quiet floral assistant who raises a talking, carnivorous plant. One unique element about this show is that the CSM theater is using a donated set of “growing” puppets that bring the plant to life. The puppets have been part of productions all over the country, most recently the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland. The traveling puppets make it possible for smaller theater programs with limited budgets to utilize the impressive props. 

First year theater student Allison Bowser described the play as a perfect way to get into the Halloween season.  

“If you want to see some cool puppeteering, an awesome set, and very talented people, you should come see the show,” Bowser said.  

Bowser has two roles in the ensemble, portraying Skip Snip, an agent working to sign a contract with Seymour, and an overworked waitress on Skid Row.  

“I’m glad I got to be in the ensemble in my first year so I could smoothly transition into the theater community here,” Bowser said. “Everyone is so nice and talented, I joined the theater club and have already made friends, even just being here a few months. I’m excited for this show and to do even more at CSM.” 

For many CSM theater students, the welcoming atmosphere is a reason to keep returning to the stage. Dr. AnnMarie Saunders, director of Little Shop of Horrors and theater program coordinator, said the cast’s connection is clear as the production comes together.  

“At a two year school, the student body is always changing, but each new student adds their own talent to a production,” Saunders said. “This show has a lot of new students, which is exciting for our program. The cast and crew form a close bond over the course of the production, inspiring them to return and keep the program growing and successful.” 

The theater program has grown steadily since productions resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, students also relaunched the theater club as a Registered Student Organization on campus, giving students more opportunities to hone their craft and do what they love.  

This fall, CSM will also present The Snow, opening on Nov. 13. The play is an adventurous tale following Teddy Sutton, a child small in stature who leads a group of townspeople on a quest to save their village from a great snowfall.  

Director Tracy Labrie said she’s proud to see how far the students have come in just about a month of rehearsals. Now directing her second show at CSM, Labrie said the students’ commitment and enthusiasm are inspiring.  

“The team for The Snow is a nice blend of new students and experienced community members,” Labrie said. “The newer actors and students bring a fresh energy with them and remind us of how magical theater can be when it's done right. They are honestly what keeps me coming back show after show. It is an honor to be in a position to guide and work alongside them and so much fun to watch them try new things and grow in their craft." 

Arianna Tucker is taking on her first lead role as Teddy, a character who speaks in almost every scene of the play. As excited as she was to land the role, it hasn’t been an easy road. Tucker lost her voice after the first rehearsal and has relied on her castmates to keep going.  

“It’s made it harder to memorize my lines, but it allowed me to practice expressing myself more with my body,” Tucker said. “I feel so connected to The Snow family who, even when I couldn’t talk, made an effort to include me in conversations. I love this community and working with so many talented people.”  

Will Grebe is also taking a lead role for the first time as Oliver. Although the character has few lines, he plays a prominent part in the story. This is Grebe’s third play, and he said he’s having fun playing a character he can connect with.  

“Oliver is like Hagrid from Harry Potter,” Grebe said. “He’s a giant, a kind-hearted person who is treated like he could destroy anyone in a fight, but he doesn’t want to. I can relate because I’m bigger than everyone else, people say I’m scary, but I don’t feel scary.”  

Like many of his castmates, Grebe keeps returning to the stage for the sense of community. He said The Snow reflects that same sense of community, making it a fitting production for the holiday season. 

“I love these people, and any time I get to spend being goofy with them is what I love,” Grebe said. “No one can get through a day here without laughing. It’s a family-friendly, hilarious script, that’s really good for getting into the holidays. It’s about community, about learning where you’re from, getting along, and family.” 

Little Shop of Horrors will return to the stage Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, and The Snow runs Nov. 13-22. Both productions have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances. Tickets are on sale for $10. 

The CSM event ticket website has a full list of show times and ticketing information.