Ethan Keller as Seymor with Audrey II. Photo courtesy of AACC Theatre.
It’s a sordid tale about an unsuccessful business, being stuck in dreadful Skid Row where horrible murders are committed for greed, where sadists are successful, and, in the end, the whole world is attacked by blood-eating monster plants. Yet, despite the despair and awfulness of it all, Anne Arundel Community College’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” (book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman) directed by Madeline Austin, is a joyful show, full of lively songs, clever choreography, lovable characters, and brilliant puppetry.
…a joyful show, full of lively songs, clever choreography, lovable characters, and brilliant puppetry.
The show begins with the narrators, three proud, female school dropouts who welcome the audience to their impoverished neighborhood. The trio roles require perfecting close harmonies throughout the show, and Abby Burns, Elaina Kohrs, and Susanne Whitney achieve that goal along with movement that mimics the Supremes.
Martin Egna who stars as Mr. Mushnik, a flower shop owner who is in despair about his business or lack there of, is introduced at the start of the show. Egna’s bigger than life portrayal with explosive physical mannerisms and boisterous exclamations pulled the audience in right at the very beginning. Portraying Seymour Krelborn, Mushnik’s well-meaning but clumsy and insecure employee, is Ethan Keller. Throughout the entire production, Keller’s sweet take on the character has the audience in the palm of his hand, rooting for Seymour to win the girl of his dreams and even forgiving his intentional murders for Audrey II.
Local actor Ally Baca portrayed Audrey, a worker at the flower shop and the object of Seymore’s affection, who displays poor self-worth but a sweet and vulnerable demeanor portrayed effortlessly Baca. Her number “Somewhere That’s Green,” reveals Audrey’s dream of one day being a happy suburban housewife and was sung with such emotion and control that the audience audibly sighed when the number ended. By the end of the show, Baca’s vocal range was on full display as she and Keller professed their love for each other in a powerful rendition of “Suddenly Seymour.”
Andrew Agner-Nichols stole the hearts of the audience with his portrayal of the egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies and Audrey’s abusive boyfriend. His rendition of the number “You’ll be a Dentist” and his death-by-laughing-gas scene had the audience uncomfortably laughing but still drawn to and amused by the over-the-top character.
The unquestionable star of the show was Audrey II. Across between a Venus flytrap and an avocado, this plant has an appetite for human flesh appeased by feeding on human blood. Normally, a male role, the voice was provided by Sarah Johansen, who forcefully delivered directions to Seymour through a powerful dialogue and song. The show requires imagination and skill with providing the physical presence of such a sinister, ever-growing “character.” The plant went from small and potted in the window to a human size then a giant, taking over the store. Kudos to puppet designer Gabby Bly and puppeteers James Reed Estepp, Daniel Wade, Kestrel Watson, and Robin Whewell for making the Audrey II come to life.
Through lighting design by Aidan Henderson, every time a “feeding” would occur, red lighting would be used, representing the horror of the moment. Costume designer Michelle Hickman’s costumes for the vocal trio were especially effective as the story timeline progressed.
While the tale is gruesome, one can’t help but be swept away by the power of love in this production, leaving audiences happy that Audrey and Seymour were together in “somewhere that’s green.”
Running Time: Approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Contains mature language, themes of abuse, violence, murder, and minor sexual innuendo.
“Little Shop of Horrors” ran April 12- 21, 2024, presented by AACC Theatre at Anne Arundel Community College, Robert E. Kauffman Theater, Pascal Center for the Performing Arts, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD.
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