Music by Alan Menken
One of the longest running off-Broadway musicals
“Little Shop of Horrors” is produced with special arrangement with
Music Theatre International,
421 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
May 13 – 7:30 PM
May 14 -- 8:00 PM
Matinee May 15 – 3:00 PM
May 15 - 8:00 PM
at
Academy of Music Theatre
274 Main Street
Northampton, MA
A great hit with no misses -- not a cue, not a line,
Reviewed by B. K. Grant
Producer Erin Greene and director/choreographer David Wallace and crew created the perfect package – great set design, rockin’ music, 50’s-flavored choreography and costumes – all nicely wrapped in a great storyline. The melodic doo-wop style had me from the get-go
The opening number relating the pleasantries of residing on Skid Row (Downtown) is delivered by a trio worthy of a Las Vegas stage. Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette (played by Laura Lite, Renee Gibson and Meghan Allen) are superb, from their bouffant coifs down to their pleated skirts. These ladies of the evening thread their way throughout the story, adding spice to the atmosphere. They hang out near Mr. Mushnik’s Flower Shop, a rundown establishment about ready to close its doors. The personnel is minimal: Audrey, a slip of a girl, arrives with a cheery “good morning” and a black eye still visible under layers of makeup. Mr. Mushnik (Ryan Duchesne) strongly admonishes her for finally showing up at 2:00 pm, then softens, suggesting she should leave her boyfriend, Orin (played forcefully by Steve Pierce) a dentist who enjoys the pain and anguish of his patients. Audrey (played by Andrea Wilson) feels he will exact great bodily harm if she attempts leaving: “If he does this when he’s happy (pointing to her eye), what will he do when he’s mad?” Seymour is her bumbling coworker, obviously smitten, but too shy to pursue, spending most of his time with the shop’s plants. Luis Manzi nails the character of Seymour as he sings “Get Out of Here”; longing for a better life. His lament is nearly tearfully sincere.
Audrey reminds Seymour of “that special something” he has been nurturing in the back room, an extraordinary plant unlike anything anyone has ever seen. He reveals the potted oddity, which is belittled by his boss as being worthless; Audrey comforts Seymour, encouraging him to follow his instincts. Seymour’s “Grow For Me” number illustrates his frustration during the care and feeding of this unique plant; at a loss, nothing seems to work, until he accidentally cuts his finger. He feeds the demanding plant “just a few drops” from the bleeding finger. Almost immediately, it begins to thrive.. Named “Audrey II”, the exotic plant is placed in the shop’s front display window, attracting the curious who eventually become customers. Mushnik and staff are delighted. As the plant grows, so does the business. Seymour exhibits fist-fulls of bandaged fingertips.
Audrey sings of a new life with Seymour “somewhere that’s green” and “a little house and a little car”. Like her frame, her voice is delicate but crystal clear, and powerful when necessary. Seymour’s heart cries out for him to do something to remedy Audrey’s abusive situation; during the shop’s renovations, he visits her ‘dentist-boyfriend’. An unexpected opportunity arises to help Audrey and feed his hungry plant.
Act Two opens to a successful, refurbished establishment (minus Mr. Mushnik), complete with more stock, multiple phones which ring incessantly (“Macy’s wants us to do the parade!”), and a very large "Audrey II". Seymour and Audrey perform their duet “Suddenly Seymour” and realize the feelings they have for each other. Seymour exits for a quick trip to the meat market; while he is away, thirsty “Audrey II” attempts to talk (yes, talk) sweet Audrey into providing a drink: mayhem ensues.
I’ve heard it’s difficult to co-star with kids and animals – but a plant? And a carnivore at that? I was totally blown away by this incredible performance filled with spicy appetizers, a mega main course, and more than a few deadly desserts. It tickled my funny bone – and a whole lot more! This show is worthy of another long weekend’s run. Anyone sitting in the first few center rows is in for a surprise.
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