Little Shop of Horrors

By Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Directed by Kerri Hilton. Musical Direction by Alicia Walter. Xanten Centre, St Norbert College, Queens Park, WA. 25-28 March 2015.

St Norbert College staged this quirky little musical in their own theatre, with great style. A smaller than usual cast for a school musical, it was a tight production that highlighted some excellent emerging talent.

It is easy to see why Kerri Hilton has a reputation as one of our state's best directors for young people, bringing out outstanding characterisations and beautifully nuanced performances.

Blake Jenkins handles the central role of Seymour with panache in a relaxed and layered performance, his beautiful treble voice offering a wonderful vulnerability. In a wonderful touch he needed to stand on tiptoes to kiss his Audrey, played beautifully and sensitively by Kelsey Zampino.

The urchins sang gorgeously and worked well as a team. Excellent work by Sarah Callahan, Matilda Jenkins, Gereleigh Mina and Emily Palermo. Jimmy Ton delivered an earnest performance as Mr Mushnik, while Jake Cummane put energy in to the role of dislikable Orin.

The ensemble were very focused, with minor roles being given full energy and fleshed out characters.

Hard working puppeteers Gabriel Eaton and Cooper Jenkins manipulated lovely incarnations of Audrey II, co-ordinating well with young baritone Samuel Eaton to create a convincing man-eating plant.

A student band under band director Harry Oliff provided tight accompaniment, that well balanced. Costuming (Katherine Friend) and hairstyling (Jenny Palermo and Katherine Friend) were particularly striking.

A solid school production, which deserved its warm response.

Kimberley Shaw