LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

A very enjoyable production, with some new faces, good direction and musically sound.

I was impressed with the set, using a book flat to split the very wide stage at the Spotlight, which was manipulated quickly and easily by the cast, enabling the stage to morph between the various scenes seamlessly.

I liked that the Director used a large ensemble to dress the stage and add weight to the musical numbers, the Spotlight stage is a difficult one, and I felt that it was used to good effect.

Choreography was good throughout, and suitable for all abilities, I liked the grouping in ensemble numbers.

Lighting was good, using green gobos to enhance Audrey II, and mood lighting for the various scenes.  Sound was good throughout too.  Props in respect of flowers in the shop were a little sparse, particularly the $100 worth of roses (which equated to just a few stems), unfortunately raising some loud laughter!

Costumes were company supplied, and each ensemble member had an individual character, lending interest to the scenes.  I was not blown away by Audrey’s wig, it didn’t lend itself to the character.  I liked the colour vibe that ran through the Skid Row Girls costumes, without them being dressed alike.

Michael Champness-D’Abreu (Seymour) accomplished the character well, and was both nerdy and indecisive.  Beki O’Driscoll (Audrey) gave a polished performance, giving us the abused girlfriend, finding her niche with Seymour, a good pairing who both sang well.

Jeff Hammond (Mr Mushnik) gave his portrayal plenty of characterisation, very believable.

Mark Williams operated Audrey II with skill, and Ollie Pajak voiced her with conviction, I always enjoy this part of the show.

Graham Duncan (Orin) was nicely nasty!  A good voice that showed off his musical numbers well.  I notice that he wasn’t included in the cast list!

The Skid Row Girls – Helen Brooks, Mollie Brown, Emma Kent, Gemma Miller and Cera-Rose Pickering gave good performances, showing singing and dancing skills along with energy.  A good group.

Other parts played by David Curling, Becca Chiplin, Alex Rolle, Elaine Miller and Matthew Burns all added to the general upbeat feel of the production.

A good all round production, with plenty of energy and interest, which I enjoyed.

My thanks to BTC for their hospitality, we are always looked after well.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.