An audience giddy with anticipation clapped and cheered through opening night of the revival of the cult musical comedy, as well they might for the cast was in fine voice.
When meek, down-and-out florist shop worker Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new plant species that he names ‘Audrey II’ after his co-worker crush, it seems like a serendipitous ticket to fame and fortune. But as Audrey II grows and grows – into a foul-mouthed, smooth-talking, R&B-singing carnivore – Seymour discovers that feeding his ambition starts to require juicier and less justifiable ingredients. Before he knows it, Seymour must battle the perilous and persuasive plant because it is not just the residents of skid row whose lives are on the line, but the very future of the planet!
Laced with dark humour and alluring numbers, Little Shop of Horrors is one of the longest running off Broadway shows. Inspired by the 1960 Roger Corman film of the same name, the rock musical premiered in 1982. It also enjoyed a successful run on Broadway and in London’s West End, eventually inspiring the 1986 movie version by veteran puppeteer Frank Oz that starred Steve Martin and Rick Moranis. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin) rocking doo-wop score includes the popular songs ‘Feed Me’, ‘Suddenly Seymour’ and ‘Somewhere That’s Green’. In fact, there are 12 musical numbers in the first act and seven in the second, with musical direction from Andrew Worboys.
Director Dean Bryant and choreographer Andrew Hallsworth have created this devious out of this world experience, with puppet makers Erth responsible for Audrey II. Brent Hill (Once, Jerry’s Girls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Rock of Ages) stars as the unassuming, hapless florist Seymour. With his strong vocals, dubious wardrobe choices and acting acumen, he plays the nerd with a real soft spot for his work colleague with aplomb. Esther Hannaford (King Kong, Hairspray) has a great sense of comic timing and playfulness as the object of Seymour’s affections, the gutsy but guileless Audrey … and boy, can she belt out a tune. Just loved her, loved her, loved her – a breathtaking performance. The opportunistic shop owner, Mr Mushnik, is played by Tyler Coppin (Strictly Ballroom, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), while the role of the demon dentist and Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend is filled by Scott Johnson (Jersey Boys). Both find space and time to shine. Angelique Cassimatis (The Rocky Horror Show), Josie Lane (Miracle City, Fame) and Chloe Zuel (Legally Blonde) play the three Supreme-esque streetwise urchins. Dash Kruck (Violet) and Kuki Tipoki (Sweet Charity) complete the nine-member cast.
A most effective two-tone black and white set (crafted by Owen Wilson) gives way to glorious colour and a much-engorged plant in the second act and the contrasting staging works a treat. Owen Wilson is responsible. Little Shop of Horrors remains as wickedly funny, wacky and wild as when it was first conceived. Who ever thought a show about a bloodthirsty plant that devoured people would win so many friends and fans? The off the wall nature of the narrative and score is in keeping with the audaciousness of The Rocky Horror Show and both musicals have attracted ardent followers (many of them, I dare say, the same people). As pure escapist fare, Little Shop of Horrors is a devious delight that should win over newbies and aficionados alike.
It is playing at the Comedy Theatre until 22nd May before moving to Canberra Theatre from May 25th, Playhouse Theatre QPAC from June 1st, Roslyn Packer Theatre in Sydney from July 20th and His Majesty’s Theatre Perth from August 4th.
Alex First
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television