Review: SSR's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is Anything but a Horror

Let me start by saying, Dear Readers, that "Little Shop of Horrors" is one of my all time favorite shows. In fact I was fortunate enough to see the incredible Encore's version with Ellen Greene back in July. In my opinion, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's show is one of those near perfect musicals. So you'll understand when I say that I'm pretty picky about the show when people attempt to put it up. And that is why I'm thrilled to say that the current production from SecondStory Rep, filled with fantastic voices and tons of fun completely gets how the show needs to be done.

For those unfamiliar (and how can you call yourself theater nerds if you are), the Menken and Ashman bit of brilliance is based on the 1960 Roger Corman film of the same name where our hero Seymour (Brad Walker), a meek little guy from skid row, tries to make a meager living working in Mr. Mushnik's (Eric Hartley) flower shop along with the object of his affection Audrey (Joanna Hardie). Unfortunately Audrey is dating sadistic bad boy Orin (Doug Fahl). When the shop is in danger of closing, amateur botanist Seymour puts into the window a strange and interesting plant he's found and been caring for which he calls the Audrey II. Suddenly business is booming with people coming to see this strange and interesting plant and Seymour's life is turning around including more notice from the lovely Audrey. But this fame and popularity comes at a price when the plant begins talking (voiced by Evan Woltz and operated by Justin Silver) and demanding a special kind of plant food, blood!

Director Ken Michels certainly knows his "Little Shop" and well he should as he's been involved with productions for several years. In fact the amazingly beautiful plants they're using in the show are his. And so it's no surprise that he knows the way to stage and pace this brilliantly dark comedy to make it pop. Add into that a wonderfully monochrome set from The Squolf that honors the original black and white film and a rocking band that never overpowered the performers, music directed by John Allman, and the tone and fun of this production doesn't stop.

The ensemble is superb. Walker, with his super rich and clear voice manages a nerdy-ness to Seymour but doesn't take him into the role of caricature. Similarly Hardie keeps Audrey grounded and based in reality rather than attempting to mimic the iconic Ellen Greene. Now I know it's not fair to attempt to compare Hardie after just seeing Greene perform the role. It's like God coming down and creating a tree in front of you and then asking you to go watch someone else do it. But Hardie manages the role gorgeously and the key duet between she and Walker was spot on fabulous. Woltz shows off his incredible voice as the killer plant and keeps it infused with the dark humor it needs and Silver's puppeteering is awesome. Hartley manages a sweetness to Mushnik with that perfect hint of selfish malevolence. Fahl's crazy bad boy is hilarious and makes for the perfect counterpart to the sweet natured Seymour. And Britt Boyd, Cherisse Martinelli and Alana Morrison as the Greek chorus of street urchins bring in some killer vocals and humor.

Simply put, it's a solid piece of work with both technical prowess and tons of heart. And so with my three letter rating system I give SSR's "Little Shop of Horrors" a quite pleased YAY. They've managed a highly enjoyable and entertaining rendition of one of my absolute favorites and that is no small task. You'll love it!

"Little Shop of Horrors" performs at SecondStory Repertory through November 15th. For tickets or information contact the SecondStory Rep box office at 425-881-6777 or visit them online at www.secondstoryrep.org.

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