It is not often that one gets the opportunity to listen to a giant plant belt out a musical number. It is even more rare that one has the opportunity to watch the giant plant also move and talk. However, this is the norm in the rock musical Little Shop of Horrors, based on the black and white film of the same name. Director and Adjunct Professor of Theatre John DiDonna brought this horror to the Annie Russell Theatre on Nov. 11, closing off the first half of the Annie’s season with a bang.
From the moment the three chorus girls took the stage, the show was a nonstop series of catchy songs and fast-paced dialogue. Taylor Sorrel ’13
played Seymour, a down-onhis-luck florist stuck working for Mr. Mushnik, played by Ryan Bathurst ’12. Seymour discovers a mysterious plant,
which he names Audrey II after his friend and love interest Audrey, played by Jaz Zepatos ’12.
While trying to figure out how to make Audrey II grow, Seymour pricks his finger and discovers that the plant will respond only to blood. In this wicked tale, the standout character was, ironically, Audrey II, voiced by Robert Burrows ’13. Burrows faced the challenge of giving life to a puppet and making his character stand out, though he himself is not actually seen during the show. Burrows’ voice overpowered everyone else’s by a mile; his mantra of “feed me” sent chills down the audience’s spine and all of Audrey II’s songs played a part in the deterioration of Seymour’s better judgment.
That is not to say that the other actors did not give great performances as well. The three chorus girls, Danielle Cameron ’14, Victoria Doyle ’12 and Brittany Rubino ’14, kept the show moving with their witty narration and beautiful singing. Sorrel and vocalist. He managed to portray Seymour as clumsy and endearing as well as emotional and mature.
Overall, the show was a success. Brian Hatch ’12 gave a strong performance and showed his prowess in quick costume changes and character transformations. By the end of the show, he had played multiple characters, all with vastly different personas, including Audrey’s abusive dentist boyfriend. And Bathurst was great as the stereotypical Jewish businessman. His songs and lines served as comedic relief during the more dramatic parts and tied the storyline together nicely.
This show is a must-see for anyone who wants to delve into a mystery and explore the extent to which a person will go for fame or love. Little Shop runs in the Annie until Nov. 19. Go see it; it is definitely worth your blood.
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