Bring your appetite for excitement to the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square because LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has a ravenous singing plant that’s ready to eat entertain the masses!
Described as “a horror comedy rock musical” with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and a book by Howard Ashman, Director Victoria Bussert has gotten everything right with this exciting show about a loveable nerd in a flower shop who dreams of getting the girl.
Seymour Krellborn (played by Andrew Faria) is a clumsy and down-on-his-luck schmuck who works at a Skid Row florist shop for the curmudgeonly Mr. Mushnik (played by Aled Davies). Seymour is secretly in love with co-worker Audrey (played by Sara Masterson), who routinely gets beat up by her dentist boyfriend Orin Scrivello (played by Alex Syiek). The shop is almost forced to close from a lack of customers until Seymour discovers a new breed of plant that he calls the Audrey II (expertly voiced by Elijah Dawson and puppeteered by Chad Ethan Shohet). Suddenly everyone wants to see the plant, making the shop instantly popular. The plant has a special diet of a substance that’s “secret but not hard to come by.” What could go wrong? Seymour becomes more famous, Audrey finally begins to notice him, and that’s when people start disappearing.
The cast is incredible. Faria is vulnerable yet magnetic as Seymour, showcasing his fantastic voice. Davies is a wonderful Mushnik, playing the old shopkeeper as a mix of a guy that feels like part ironic cranky uncle and part hopeful grouch who hasn’t given up on life yet. Masterson is an endearing Audrey, giving a heartfelt rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green,” and evoking emotions that this writer has never had for this particular number before hearing her version.
An added layer of awesomeness is the tight-harmonied trio of Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon (played by Sydney Alexandra Whittenburg, Savannah Cooper, and Kris Lyons, respectively). They are pure energy every time they hit the stage, with close chords, lively choreography, and a presence that demands attention.
Every character is just a little over-the-top and completely enjoyable. The pacing is quick and invigorating. The plant is crazy cool. The choreography is fun. To round it out – the set, lights, costumes, and sound all lead into a Skid Row that is full of heart with vibrant possibilities in this carnivorous musical comedy.
Kudos to the production staff – Scenic Design by Jeff Hermann, Sound Design by David Gotwald, Wig and Makeup design by Nicholas Lynch-Voris, Costume Design by Danae Iris McQueen, Lighting Design by Trad A Burns, Choreography by Jaclyn Miller, and a hearty standing O for Music Director Matthew Webb.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS features songs “Suddenly Seymour,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” “Feed Me,” and “Suppertime” within the score of this satisfying scream of a show.
Don’t miss this Great Lakes Theater production, which runs through October 9, 2022. Tickets are $15 – $89 and can be purchased at www.greatlakestheater.org. And remember – don’t feed the plants!
Kate Klotzbach 