Joshua Willis, Campus Carrier Staff Reporter
A campy rock musical which spoofs 1950’s horror B-movies, “Little Shop of Horrors” tells a hilarious tale of star-crossed lovers, sadistic dentists and flesh-eating flowers to music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman.
Nerdy Seymour Krelborn (Connor Wright, freshman) works tirelessly at Skid Row Florists for Mr. Mushnik (Sean Manion, sophomore). The only things that brighten his dreary days are Audrey (Allie Southwood, senior), whom he secretly loves, and Audrey II (voiced by choreographer Carey Smith), a strange plant that might hold the key to Seymour’s success. Just as things begin to look up for our hapless hero, a nasty problem arises: Audrey II starts to thirst for something more sinister than water and sunshine. Against mounting odds, Seymour tries to appease the horrible houseplant and win the girl.
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| Brad Tilka, Staff Photojournalist Freshman Connor Wright (Seymour Krelborn) cowers in fear at his master plant that inhabits Mushnik’s Florist. BCTC’s latest production “Little Shop of Horrors” opened on Feb. 13, and will run through Feb 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and each Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets may be reserved by calling the E.H. Young Theatre at 706-236-2263. |
The scenery and costumes are appropriately colorful, over-the-top and twisted. Equally impressive, if not more so, is the wonderful puppetry that brings Audrey II to life. Add all this to some sidesplitting dialogue and great rock ‘n’ roll music, and you have a success. What really makes the show, though, are the winning performances from the talented cast. With a musical this outrageous, even the smallest parts can, and do, steal the show. So whether you want to enjoy a unique Valentine’s weekend with friends or loved ones, or just have some fun alone, it would be hard to find a more entertaining way to spend your evening.
Freshman Alec Leesburg is a puppeteer for the show. This is his first BCTC production, and he agrees with other cast members that it has been an experience to remember.
“It’s exciting,” Leesburg said. I’ve never done anything like this before. We put a lot of work into it. We’re very proud.”
For Southwood, the role of Audrey will be her last in a BCTC production.
“I have never been more proud to work with such a talented and professional group of people,” Southwood said. “It’s truly the people that have made my last show at Berry such a beautiful experience.”
Manion similarly expressed gratitude for the cast, crew and directors.
“Though it was stressful, our team of directors and stage managers made it absolutely wonderful,” Manion said. “But it was a beautiful thing to see everything come together in the past week or two… the ambition of the cast, crew and designers make [the play] the best it can be.”
Asked why people should see the show, Manion responded that the sheer size of the production, and the love and care put into it, are reasons enough.
“People should come see BCTC’s Little Shop because it is a grand vision of what is normally a smaller production,” Manion said. “Our team has created a monster—both in Audrey II and the massive proportions of this hilarious musical. We all have so much love for our accomplishments, and it is our privilege to share it with an audience. It will surely be a show to remember.”
