By Holly Gould
Lehi Arts Council’s production of Little Shop of Horrorsis open for business and hungry to entertain audiences at the Lehi Arts Center. The musical premiered at the Orpheum Theater Off-Broadway in 1982 and is based on the Charles B. Griffith 1960 dark comedy film that has become one of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows. The cast and crew of this unique production are brought together beautifully by director Colleen Carrasco in an intimate theater setting where every seat is the best seat in the house. Musical stylings of the Great Alan Menken with Howard Ashman’s book and lyrics bring a fun, upbeat feel to the heart and leave your toes tapping throughout the show. The 60s style music is full of tight and strong harmonies that leave chills and smiles all at the same time.
In this hilarious show, the plot follows Seymour, a meek and nerdy flower shop worker who is dissatisfied with his lot in life. When he finds a strange, unidentified plant, he names it Audrey II after his co-worker and the object of his own affection. This man-eating plant offers fame, fortune, and success if only Seymour satisfies its never-ending need its appetite for blood.
Andrew Walsh leads this fun cast as Seymour Krelborn, along with his dearest Audrey, played by Brooke Holladay. Walsh plays wide-eyed innocence well and provides great physical comedy right from the start.
Holladay’s Audrey is delightfully ditzy and her comedic timing is perfect. Holladay is masterful at blending the distinct voice of her character with her strong vocals.
Chemistry is key in any romance situation, and Walsh and Holladay are wonderfully fun to watch as they grow and develop throughout the evening. Both characters begin in an emotionally fragile state and seem almost broken by the heavy burdens of life. As friendship and eventual romance grow, the audienc is also taken on their emotional journey as it watches confidence and courage blossom like the blooms in the floral shop. Vocally speaking, Walsh and Holladay are both beautifully versatile. This shows powerfully in one of the show’s best-known songs, “Suddenly Seymour.” Audience members’ emotions soar with the couple’s as the lovebirds grow from a place of timid vulnerability to the majestic pride of being loved and accepted by those who are important to us.
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Adding more vocal powerhouses to the mix is the trio of Ronnette, Crystal, and Chiffon, played by Ashley McKinnon, Bethany Simmons, and Julia Jolley. Each of these ladies has their own spotlighted moments of brilliance, and their voices blend in perfect harmony just as the 60s girl groups they are designed to imitate.
Evan Meigs is cast as the evilly charismatic Orin Scrivello, DDS, Audrey’s sadistic, abusive boyfriend. This is a character that most people will love to hate. Meigs plays his part well. His featured song “Dentist!” brings giggles galore, but from the first moment he is seen with Audrey, the abusive side of his character leaves audiences with very little sympathy for his character, which speaks well for his acting abilities.
The star of the set is the ever-growing plant itself. Audrey II grows onstage as the baby plant that Seymour finds (with Walsh as puppeteer) to the giant, blood-thirsty man-eater that we all love. Strong and soulful vocals are provided by Benjamin James Oldroyd.
The stage for the show is simple in its design by Michael Carrasco, with some fun details.Quick transformation is made from a failing florist to a bustling shop during “Closed for Renovation.” Sound and lighting by Ryan Jeppson and Liz Griffith also have some fun spots, my personal favorite being when they sing about the eclipse.
Little shop of Horrors is a unique experience with a great ensemble with lots of energy round out the cast and help make the show so much fun.. The fun of the show will satisfy any appetite for entertainment. Anyone can enjoy it, from sci-fi-loving type who looks forward to a man-eating plant taking over the world to someone who loves to dance all night long to fun 60s-style music. Move your feet and find a seat at the Lehi Arts Center for this hilariously dark comedy.
Lehi Arts Council presents Little Shop of Horrors. Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken, based on play by Charles B. Griffith.
Lehi Arts Center, 685 N Center St, Lehi, UT 84043
Oct 11-28, 2019, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, 7:30 PM, Sing-in performance October 18, 2019.
Tickets: $12-15
http://www.lehicityarts.org/
Lehi Arts Facebook Page
Little Shop of Horrors Facebook Event
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