From Sept. 29 to Oct. 25, Theatre Calgary will be staging performances of Little Shop of Horrors at the Max Bell Theatre. This production is all the fun and campiness that audiences have come to expect from this show.
Little Shop of Horrors is one of those tales that seems to transcend generations. The story of a poor boy and his bloodthirsty giant plant has gone through various changes over the years, but no matter what format it is presented in, Little Shop of Horrors has always been praised for being the perfect mix of quirky, humorous and macabre.
The story takes place in 1960’s New York on Skid Row. We are introduced to our main character, Seymour (Tenaj Williams), who works in a rundown flower shop with the girl he pines for, Audrey (Kate Blackburn) and his boss, Mr. Mushnik (Mark Bellamy). The play starts with the various characters lamenting how bleak their impoverished existence feels, with Seymour describing how desperate he is for a way to better his situation.
Things begin to change for the group when a strange-looking plant that Seymour purchases begins attracting attention. The plant, named Audrey II, becomes an overnight sensation, saving the failing flower shop from shutting down. But Seymour soon discovers that this success comes with a steep price when Audrey II begins to speak and, even stranger, demands to be fed blood.
The show's set design is as immersive as it is meticulous, transporting audiences to the grimy downtown streets. Details such as how the flower shop changes slowly from a decrepit to a more polished and thriving business help illustrate how, bit by bit, the store’s situation, and by association its workers', improves as the plant’s fame begins to rise. Transitions between locations in the musical are seamless, with the use of lighting and set pieces to effortlessly swap from one location on Skid Row to another.
In this production, the characters present similarly to their counterparts from previous iterations of the show, such as the1986 film. Though the cast is relatively small, each member is integral to the show.
Along with Seymour, Audrey, and Mushnik are Ronette (Jessica Jones), Chiffon (Ineza Mugish) and Crystal (Michelle Yu), city kids who loiter around the shop while also moving the story along through dance, song and comedy. There is also Audrey’s sadistic dentist boyfriend, Dr. Orin Scrivello, played by Gaelan Beatty, who the audience loved to hate.
It is undeniable that the biggest selling point of any production of Little Shop of Horrors is Audrey II. Puppetry is an old and respected art form that is not often featured in entertainment in this modern age. That is why the use of puppets to bring Audrey II to life feels so novel and exciting. Theatre Calgary does not disappoint, teaming up with Green Fools Theatre to create a series of puppets that portray the plant's transition from a small spout to a colossal beast that swallows people whole. Puppeteer Jamie Konchak and actor Michael-Lamont Lytle work together in perfect unison, masterfully portraying Audrey II talking, singing and interacting with characters.
Altogether, Theatre Calgary’s Little Shop of Horrors is a detailed, entertaining production that stays true to its source material and impeccably executes almost all of the most iconic elements of this beloved
story.
Information about showtimes and tickets can be found on the Theatre Calgary website.
