On its opening night, the play Little Shop of Horrors spectacularly exhibited the talents and hard work of the members of yet another impressive musical performed by the theater department here at Saint Louis University.
Beginning with an exhilarating number filled with plenty of song and dance, nearly all the cast members left the audience eagerly anticipating what was left to unfold from this rendition of the original low-budget film from 1960.
Andy Zaruba starred in the role as Seymour, a once-struggling orphan taken in by Mushnik, the shop owner (Gary Gray). Seymour often gets caught up in his daydreams of finally becoming the man he has always dreamed of, intelligent, successful and the apple of co-worker, Audrey’s eyes, who is played by Amy Pennell. In his quest to become a “super Seymour” of sorts, his Freudian Id gives in to the blood-seeking, mystery plant, which he affectionately names Audrey II (Eddie Webb).
From there, Seymour is surrounded by events that spiral him down into a world where he is forced to make decisions, which will affect nearly every aspect of his life both negatively and positively.
Seymour, Audrey and Mushnik are joined by three street urchins (Talichia Noah, Nicole Lewer and Katy Vogt).
Throughout the musical, these three exceptionally talented vocalists sing while at the same time viewing the events as onlookers, often interacting with Seymour. They also frequently provide insight to Seymour’s deepest thoughts.
Of course, the musical would not be complete without giving kudos to the plant-like antagonist, Audrey II, which is brilliantly portrayed by Eddie Webb. As Audrey II increases in size, it gets increasingly greedy.
At first, Seymour is forced to prick himself repeatedly in order to satisfy Audrey II’s requests to “feed him.”
But, as the evil Audrey II makes demands that Seymour cannot fulfill, he regrettably realizes what a compromising position he has put himself in.
In addition to the remarkable acting in the musical, it is also filled with outstanding costumes.
Since the story is set in the `50s to `60s, the costumes are intriguing and probably remind the typical college student of photographs of their parents in their younger days.
The wing-tip glasses and the beehives sported by the street urchins were striking. In comparison, Audrey’s stereotypical large platinum blonde wig added to the spaciness of her character. In addition, the musical provides some insight into reality. First, it includes a highly didactic life lesson. If you spend your time trying to obtain material success and popularity, you are wasting your time.
In this, you are susceptible to evil and its effects, such as the ones in which Seymour is faced with.
Furthermore, it educates the viewer by calling upon fictional tools. For example, the morality play teaches the viewer about an “everyman” character.
The everyman, symbolized by Seymour, is one in which everyman can compare to.
Attending the musical was definitely worth the time and money. The comedy, cast, music and design made the musical a hit.
The show continues this weekend with performances Mar. 1-3 at 8 p.m in the Xavier Theater.
Please call 977-3727 for reservations as the shows are selling out fast.
