Based on the 1960 classic cult film, Little Shop of Horrors comes to life on stage with plenty to sink the teeth into. Every moment brings a platter of laughter, wonder, joy and poignancy as the remarkably odd story unfolds.
A musical departure from all that is mundane, the play tells the tale of a floundering skid row florist and his efforts to cultivate an attraction. The endeavours pay off and the intriguing plant draws customers but the price is high; the creation grows ever more greedy.
Little Shop of Horrors opened on Broadway in 1980, a campy spoof with a winning score by renowned Disney songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The show was soon playing the planet, universally appealing with its melding of doo-wop, pop, rock, motown and broadway.
The skid row personalities create a colourful cast of characters that are portrayed by gifted actors, the giant orchid/flesh eating plant included.
Seymour is the perpetually apologetic florist clerk with botanical talent and intense longing for a better life. He creates the plant during an eclipse and its’ appearance is just the start of something unworldly.
Seymour is played by new-to-Drayton Entertainment Ken James Stewart with the convincing innocence that provides him immunity.
Jayme Armstrong, also assistant director, plays Audrey, Seymour’s love interest and vulnerable beauty with a rock bottom ego. She employs a Bronx type accent complete with lisp that renders her simply loveable. Her yearning song Somewhere That’s Green is so ardently delivered it can elicit nostalgia for “pine-sol scented air.” The two have sweet chemistry.
Audreys’ psycho, gleefully sadistic, nitrous-oxide-sucking dentist boyfriend is portrayed with such intense, charismatic energy by Jamie McKnight that it is no wonder his hapless patients and girlfriend are lured in.
Those familiar with the original “B” movie by Roger Corman will remember a 23-year-old Jack Nicholsons’ portrayal of a masochistic dental patient.
Nicholas Rice plays Seymours’ adoptive dad and crabby shop owner who comes to regret his peevish ways.
A chorus of three high school dropouts from the ‘hood’ serve as conscience for what is really going on. These talented actors appear and fade, singing and dancing the dark side of events with greatly taunting appeal.
Juno-award-winning Divine Brown as Crystal is a powerhouse in song along with provocative artists Vanessa Cobham and Shahi Teruko.
The alien human trap with the ever reaching tendrils is a much anticipated spectacle and Drayton Entertainment triumph. Its “life” and maw is ingeniously animated by puppeteer Gregory Pember as he sings for his supper.
Lee Siegel is the voice of the carnivorous herb and makes it a little too likeable for anyone’s good with his come hither baritone and rich singing voice in numbers such as Feed Me and Suppertime.
Samantha Burson’s well-oiled rotating set converts a realistic and somehow cozy skid row from inside to outside with ease.
Director and choreographer Mike Jackson and music director Michael Barber lead a talented cast and band that has the audience engaged and laughing throughout the show. The ending is so hilarious the audience could barely stand but recovered to give a spirited standing ovation.
Little Shop of Horrors runs until March 26.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
