By Torri Adams
SimonFest Theatre Company’s Little Shop of Horrors is more like a little shop of har-hars at the Heritage Theater in Cedar City. The musical, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, is disturbing and hilarious. Underneath it all, there is a story about love, purpose, and dental hygiene. The lovable Seymour, sympathetic Audrey, greedy Mr. Mushnik, and sadistic Orin will pull you into the story and make you stop to think about what you are willing to give up for fortune and acclaim.
The story opens with the fabulous Ronnette (Eliza Hall), Chiffon (Stephanie Hernandez), and Crystal (Rebecca Smith) singing the story of life on Skid Row, including some strange and peculiar things that have been happening. Their voices are incredible and blend well together as they create a magnificent beginning and continue to delight with their sweet tones throughout the entire show. Director Henry Ballesteros and choreographer Emily Henwood found some creative ways to bring them into the story: they often act as narrators, reappearing in various scenes. Henwood’s choreography throughout the show is simple, clean, and period appropriate. “Skid Row” and “Da-Doo” have some of my favorite dancing.
Mr. Mushnik, played by Taylor Hall, runs a flower shop. Business is not good, but his loyal employee, Seymour (Zane Brady), has found a new kind of plant that may bring in customers. He has lovingly named it Audrey II (Twoey for short) after his co-worker Audrey (Olivia Sham). Upon Audrey’s suggestion, Seymour brings the plant out from the back room and all sorts of amazing things begin to happen. The three characters play beautifully off each other, and you can see the intricate relationships there. Hall is believable as an over-worked and tired business owner, with great character and comedic timing. “Mushnik and Son” is a great number with him and Brady. While he may seem sincere, Mushnik’s main concern for his employees comes down to his personal success, and you quickly pity poor Seymour and how he is treated.
Brady carries you through Seymour’s story so well: you really feel his optimism, his disappointment, his excitement, and his conflict. Seymour’s love and adoration for Audrey is, well, adorable, and Brady portrays it so tenderly. He has a great singing voice and I thoroughly enjoyed his performance of “Grow for Me.” Unfortunately, at times it was hard to hear and understand Brady, especially during his duet “Feed Me.”
Sham is the picture-perfect Audrey. From her hair, makeup, and costumes (thanks to Jen Bach with Bridgette Long) to her character and outstanding vocals, she is extraordinary. You can feel her inner struggle as she stays in her hazardous relationship with Orin (Joseph Price) because she doesn’t believe herself worthy of anything better. The sweet hope she brings during “Somewhere That’s Green” feels authentic and pure. She also brings power to the duet with Brady during “Suddenly, Seymour.”
Price brings a lot of humor to theWe spend money http://www.slovak-republic.org/visa-embassies/comment-page-1/ purchase viagra on over-the-counter skin-care products, pop vitamins and take daily hormone supplements. Booster capsule is buy viagra online Get More Information the best ayurvedic cure for low sperm count. The more sensitive aspects are the prescription medications that you can purchase cheap viagra check get yourself prescribed after a detailed consultation with a doctor. It is effective, reliable, dependable, affordable, handy and viable treatment for sildenafil sales all kinds of erection problems. stage as he plays multiple characters, which requires some pretty quick costume changes. Price manages to make you loathe his relationship with Audrey and possibly give you a little anxiety about seeing your dentist. Of his several roles, Price’s performance as Skip Snip, though only moments onstage, was my favorite.
The puppeteering by Orlando Sham and Sammy Gaylord is fantastic. The largest Audrey II puppet must be quite a workout to manage; extrakudos to them. Devin Anderson gives Audrey II a menacing and powerful voice. Sadly , this is a character that is hard to hear and understand at times. An added difficulty is that there are no facial expressions to read since it is a plant talking.
Ballesteros gives fabulous direction for this production and music director Dr. Lawrence Johnson does an excellent job with all of the music. Johnson also plays the piano and directs the live orchestra (Jordan Nielsen onpercussion, and Sean Militscher onbass). This live orchestra is a great addition to the production. There are, however, some obvious sound difficulties with the orchestra playing from the wings rather than in the pit.
The lighting design by Rebekah Bugg is on point. There are many different lighting cues, which add variety and feeling to the show. Along with the simple yet appropriate set by Michael Harvey, the atmosphere created is great.
With lots of great songs, laughs, and a little horror, this production is loads of fun. It may not be appropriate for the whole family, as there could be some scenes and language that would be unfit for a younger audience, but for anyone who isn’t easily disturbed by such things, this is a great show to go see. You will be entertained and amazed by the great talent that SimonFest has to offer. So, grab a friend, bring a neighbor, and go see Little Shop of Horrors. But whatever you do, “Don’t Feed the Plants.”
SimonFest Theatre Company presents Little Shop of Horrors. Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken.
Heritage Theater, 105 N 100 E, Cedar City, UT 84720
July 13-August 3, 2019, 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM (Check calendar)
Tickets: $15-25, group sales (12+)
Contact: 435-865-2882, 435-327-8673
SimonFest Facebook Page
0 Comments