East Ridge's Little Shop is a Zany Story

by Madelyn Grubbs, Cypress Creek High School

In a show full of man-eating plants, evil dentists with rusty drills, and true love, one is always surprised to find a very human element. In their recent production of the musical Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the East Ridge High School drama department entertained their audience with the zany story while sharing the touching sincerity of their characters.

Seymour, a young florist, finds fame and fortune (and a new mother) when he discovers a new type of plant. He names the plant Audrey II after the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately, he finds that his plant will only eat people. The plants incessant call for blood as well as Seymour's desire to impress Audrey drive him to desperate measures.

Ross Shackelford played the role of Seymour with an endearing sense of akwardness and indecision. I enjoyed his use of his glasses- taped in the middle of course- as an extension of character. Amanda Riggio, with her powerful and expressive voice, created an Audrey that was consistent and vulnerable. Andrew Bushwitz was superb as Orin. When he stepped onto the stage, he brought with him an impressive energy and focus.

And what would this show be without the plant. In a feat of technical skill, aided by the voice of Michael Mehlhorn, Audrey II was brought to life. The majority of the costumes suited their charcters very well and provided a good sense of character. The lighting was effective, especially in Seymour's interior monologue scenes. The live band was a wonderful touch and the choreography fit the nature of the show.

Because these characters are so outrageous, there are really no limits to how far the actors can take them. I would have liked to see more of the characters taken even further than they already were. This would keep the energy up at all times.

The cast ended the show with a dramatic finale. The show was very enjoyable and the cast succeeded in creating a sensitive side to this crazy musical by finding the humanity in their characters.

Originally published by the Backstage Noise, 2005