Little Shop of Horrors (Youth Group Production)
Wed 9th Nov 2016 to Sat 12th Nov 2016
Little Shop of Horrors is a horror comedy rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, "Skid Row (Downtown)", "Somewhere That's Green", and "Suddenly, Seymour". The musical premiered Off-Off-Broadway in 1982 before moving to the Orpheum Theatre Off-Broadway, where it had a five-year run. It later received numerous productions in the U.S. and abroad, and a subsequent Broadway production. The musical was also made into a 1986 film of the same name, directed by Frank Oz.
PHOTO GALLERY
NODA REPORT
11th November 2016
Youth Production
Director - Matthew Chancellor
Musical Director - Paul Garner
Choral Mistress - Pippa Zebitz
Choreographer - Vicki Nelson
Report Author: Decia Ranger, NODA East, District 7
This was a good choice of show for a talented group of young people looking to perform something other than the usual ‘safe’ musical and making it their own. The show has some fabulous songs set to 1960’s rock ‘n roll style music and the cast certainly did them justice. It was obvious from the beginning just how much they were all enjoying themselves.
One thing I feel I need to mention is the very large ensemble. These young people were on stage, often for long periods without being involved in the action, resulting in what appeared to be some loss of concentration, which I think was understandable. At times I was unsure who should have been reacting to the events unfolding on stage and who had perhaps missed a cue. I’m sure the audience, who appeared to be made up of mainly family and friends on the evening I was there, loved every minute of the show and apart from this observation, it was a very good production.
I thought Tom Rowntree was excellent as the nerdy Seymour. His acting and singing were spot on and I never once heard him slip out of an American accent. The same must be said of Zoe Antoniou-Tibbitts who played Audrey on the evening of this review. A lovely portrayal showing Audrey’s vulnerability and all the emotions required of the character.
Joel Cairns was suitably menacing as Audrey’s controlling dentist boyfriend, Orin. Very well played.
I liked Alex Berry’s portrayal of Mrs Mushnik, the flower shop owner. Here we saw a softer female Musnik who lacked the aggressiveness often associated with the role when played by a male actor. I think this interpretation worked well. Very nicely played.
Very well done also to the six young ladies who made up the Ronnettes.
Alex Holder and his assistants made an excellent job of bringing the man eating plant, Audrey II to life.
Everyone had obviously worked very hard on their American accents and this showed in the performance.
There were one or two missed lighting cues which was a shame and during one song in particular, the mics did not appear to be turned up sufficiently, making it difficult to hear the soloists.
The scenery was simple but very effective, showing us the outside of the shop, opening to reveal the interior and the fantastic ever growing Audrey II.
The production team certainly brought out the best in everyone and the band was just right for this production.
Well done to all involved. Thank you for inviting me and for the very warm welcome.