Little Shop of Horrors

You have to go a long way to see a PLOS production…all the way to Frankston. The good news is that you’d have to go a whole lot further to ever see a better production of Little Shop of Horrors. With a stunning set which involves revolves and flying panels, beautifully designed and constructed by Mike Fletcher (who also gives an impressive performance as Mister Mushnik); a really great professional sounding band led by Sue Fletcher, an extremely sophisticated lighting design by Brad Alcock and the BAAC team; equally brilliant sound design from Marcello Lo Ricco and Steve Cooke and fabulous costumes by Brett Wingfield; Director Danny Ginsberg “just” had to pull together a brilliant cast to make this a gobsmacking success. And what a superb job he’s done.

With a great book and score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken – many years before their huge success with Beauty and The Beast, there are witty songs and charming moments galore that pay homage to the 1950’s schlock horror film that inspired the musical. Set on skid row the story involves a hapless loser who finds a strange plant from outer space, names it Audrey 2 after the girl he loves, and discovers it needs blood to grow…HUMAN blood. To keep the plant alive he must FEED it, and Audrey 2 makes it clear she wants food NOW. Eventually Audrey 2 and her offspring take over the world and we’re left with the warning… “Don’t Feed The Plants.”

It’s a small cast, but there are no weaknesses anywhere. From the moment the three girls (an homage to The Supremes and other 50’s girl’s groups) enter in gowns and furs, the bar is set exceptionally high, and it just keeps getting higher. Lauren Edwards (Chiffon), Courtney Smith (Ronnette) and Tara Kabalan (Crystal) all have great voices and considerable acting skills (incidentally all three names are the names of famous girls’ groups). Peter Jenkins (Seymour) is totally convincing and endearing. What a great asset he is to any show. Emily Hall (Audrey) is enchanting and really nails her musical numbers – especially the witty but still poignant love song “Suddenly Seymour.” Michael Laity (Orin Scrivello) makes a perfect sadist/dentist. His professional polish shows in every move, every line. Jessie Lee O’Halloran provides the raunchy voice of Audrey 2 with great panache…but is also charismatic in her cameo as the editor’s wife. Peter Niclen and Cameron Sweatman (Audrey 2 puppeteers) have to be commended for giving the best prop I have seen in many years a real personality and character. Voices throughout are great, worthy of any Main Stage cast. Kudos to Danny and everyone involved. This truly is a fabulous production, and it’s shameful that it’s such a short run. Drive down to Frankston tonight after work…or perhaps tomorrow in time for lunch…then take in the matinee. It’s more than worth it, I promise.

Coral Drouyn

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