BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Darkly Funny Production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

I love horror movies, especially the kind of cheesy stuff from the 1950's and 1960's that director Roger Corman was famous for. It's been said that he shot the cult favorite, The Little Shop of Horrors, in four days, and it certainly has a look that would suggest as much. But, underneath its filthy veneer is a bizarre black comedy that deserved a far better fate than the faded copies that clog up discount DVD bins. So, Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music) dusted off the basic premise of this crazy little film, and crafted a clever and funny off-Broadway musical which, in turn, spawned a motion picture. Stray Dog Theatre closes their tenth season on a high note with a very imaginative and well cast production of this creepy classic.

Seymour Krelborn is a poor orphan on skid row who works at Mushnik's florist. One day, he comes into possession of a mysterious plant which he dubs Audrey Two, naming it after the counter girl at the florist that he worships. However, he soon discovers it requires blood to survive when he accidentally pricks one of his fingers. And, while the plant's sudden growth and unusual foliage gains it a prime spot in the store's window, the influx of gawking customers becomes a blessing and a curse. As the plant continues to grow, so does it's appetite, and with no more fingers to stick, where will Seymour turn to satisfy its needs?

Ben Watts is in splendid form as Seymour, neatly capturing his inner nerd, and otherwise delivering a solid performance all around. Lindsey Jones is also quite good as Audrey, the bruised and battered object of Seymour's affections. Both acquit themselves well vocally. Christopher R. Brenner plays the perpetually exasperated Mushnik, who takes Seymour in when no one else will. Brenner provides solid comic support, and does a fine job with "Mushnik and Son", as he makes the "business decision" to formally adopt Seymour. Keith Thompson impresses as nearly every other character Seymour encounters, including the sadistic dentist that Audrey is dating, Orin Scrivello, DDS. Dan Jones does a fine job manipulating the overgrown Audrey II, and Jeremy Sims effectively conjures up the creature's voice, with splendid takes on the R&B influenced "Feed Me (Git It)" and "Suppertime."

Acting as a kind of Greek chorus that mimics the very Phil Spector produced girl groups they're each named for, Jamie Lynn Marble (Chiffon and choreographer), Maria Bartolotta (Crystal), and Mark Saunders (Ronnette) provide a soulful sound, complete with doo-wop harmonies. Having Saunders in drag is just another unique touch that adds quirks to an already quirky concept.

Justin Been's keen direction draws effective performances from his cast and keeps the pacing moving briskly. He also has his own vision for the show, which makes this production well worth seeing, especially when you consider the sheer frequency with which it is staged otherwise. Chris Peterson's musical direction and piano accompaniment is sharp, and he's augmented by a class crew that consists of: Clancy Newell (percussion), Michael Monsey (bass), Adam Rugo (guitars), and Sallie Du Maine (keyboards). David Blake contributes a charmingly seedy scenic design to suggest the skid row locale, and Alexandra Scibetta Quigley provides costumes that fit these characterizations well. Tyler Duenow's lighting scheme effectively enhances the changes in atmosphere and mood that occur.

Stray Dog Theatre's production of Little Shop of Horrors is a real treat, capturing the musical's original dark vision, and it continues through August 3, 2013 at the Tower Grove Abbey. But, whatever you do, "Don't Feed the Plants!"

To post a comment, you must register and login.