Little Shop of Horrors

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a musical based on the well-known film starring Steve Martin and Rick Moranis from the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menkin.   The ‘Shop’ of the title is a florist on Skid Row where Mr Mushnik and his hapless assistant Seymour, face closure due to dwindling business.  BUT, Seymour nurtures a unique plant and their fortunes are reversed.

The set was excellent and depicted a florist at one end with the floor space used in front for dance sequences and action involving the Skid Row characters.    The props were good including a large curtain hiding the shop when it was ‘closed for refurbishment’.  The various plants were in keeping with the theme and the final Audrey II was amazing.     

The costumes were excellent.  The Do-Wap girls were eye-catching with their black jackets and tartan skirts and matching tights.   The street urchins were suitably ragged and there was good attention to detail with all characters’ costumes.   The dental assistants in their white coats, the dentist, complete with gas mask/helmet were all in keeping with the story.  The make up suited the characters and Audrey’s black eye from the domestic abuse was convincing.   The Audrey II dancers’ costumes were stunning and perfectly depicted them as being the physical embodiment of the plant. 

The lighting and sound  were stunning from start to finish.    The lighting changes were subtle at times and vibrant and flashing at others.  The sound was bold and solid and the voices were strong.   

From the opening number to the finale, this show didn’t draw breath.   Everyone was totally engaged at all times and the energy was astonishing.    There were laughs and gasps, creative choreography and the quality and depth of the singing was amazing.  To have Audrey II in human form (three dancers) was a stroke of genius and added another level of creativity to this production.   It was fascinating to see Audrey II growing and this led to an amusing climax when the plant devoured Mr Mushnik (and others!)   Considering the short rehearsal period for this show, I am amazed at the polished performance that was achieved.    Well done BNG and I’m already looking forward to the next show!

 

 

 

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