The La Mirada staging, directed by artistic director Brian Kite, runs to May 1.

The R&B-kissed musical comedy is based on the cult-favorite sci-fi movie of the same name, charting the lives of flower-shop clerks who get seduced by the power of an extraterrestrial plant. Music is by Alan Menken, book and lyrics are by Howard Ashman. Musical direction is by David O. Choreography is by Dana Solimando.

The cast also includes Bob Amaral as Mr. Mushnik; Michael A Shepperd as the voice of Audrey II; James Royce Edwards as Orin the Dentist (among others); Angela Peel as Chiffon; Carey Rebecca Brown as Ronnette; and Dominique Paton as Crystal.

The creative team includes set designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Craig Pierce, sound designer Josh Bessom, costume designer William Ivey Long. Puppeteering is by Robin Knight. The stage manager is Lisa Palmire.

Margherita was born and raised in California, where she trained at UCLA, and was chosen to star in MGM's television series "Fame LA," directed by Kenny Ortega, followed by many guest spots on TV series. She recently starred opposite Gary Beach as the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot at Sacramento Music Circus. She won a 2009 Olivier Award for Supporting Actress for Zorro.

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, CA.

For more information, visit www.lamiradatheatre.com.