Little Shop of Horrors- Empress Theatre (from the eyes of a stage manager)
This review is a little different, because I am reviewing the show from the perspective of the stage manager.)
Honestly, I have never loved Little Shop of Horrors. The director of this production knew my opinion of the show, change my mind of it, and created something that is worth seeing.
Direction:
The director for this show was Nanny McKenzie. Any time Nanny asks me to be a part of her projects, I will always answer yes. She has a talent to make productions to be even more than what they could be. Nanny made this show entertaining, and added humor to this show that I never dreamed could be possible. She also made choices to this production that I have never seen other productions do. My favorite choice she made was how she casted Audrey. Our Audrey is not the stereotypical Audrey that is always portrayed. Nanny let Audrey be an engaging character that is a strong presence to the show. Nanny let Audrey be strong and unsure of herself. Through this she showed that it isn't weak, quiet people that can be victims of domestic violence. Nanny also made sure that any time an actor was having a rough moment, she ALWAYS came to them with compassion and understanding. As a result, they were able to put their whole trust and faith into her vision. This show is strong and stellar because of her. Nanny also put together a team that made her vision strong and worth seeing.
The assistant director for this show was Sonny Payne. Sonny has an eye for seeing what can be added to make things just a little more interesting and engaging. He has added things to this production that I have never seen in another version of the show that made this show a delight to watch. Sonny also has gone above and beyond and helped with other roles to make sure that nothing went through the cracks.
The choreographer for this show was Chalese Craig. I've worked with Chalese many times in the past. She has a talent to tell the story through her choreography. She made the choreography easy and concise. Because of this all the actors are confident in their movements and look engaging on stage.
The music director for this show is Shayla Fairclough. Shayla has a talent to pull out good vocals in others. She has worked to make sure that everyone sounds balanced and that everyone can feel confident and strong in what they are doing. She made it so the show is a delight to listen to.
One of the stage managers for the show was Scott Carr. I am so grateful that he said yes to come be a part of this production. Without his organization backstage, things wouldn't be so seamless onstage. He keeps things going. I am glad that he is someone that I can trust to do what is best for the production. Because of this he makes everyone's jobs easier.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Performances:
Seymour Krelborn is played by Riley Ernst. Riley was the first actor memorized. His dedication to this role shows on stage. Riley's vocals are strong and are great to listen to. His character is strong and makes him a lovable goof that the audience can't help but adore. He is a reason why you would want to come see this production.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Audrey is played by Taylore Cahoon. Taylore plays Audrey SO different than any other production that I have seen of Little Shop of Horrors. Because of her acting choices, this production has become an absolute delight for me to watch night after night. I have never enjoyed Audrey as a character because of how she is usually played. Taylore's version of Audrey is strong, but unsure of herself, which leads to it being believable that she would date a skeeze like Orin. Her vocals are also incredibly strong. She is a reason why you would want to come see this production.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Mr. Mushnik is played by Nate Fairclough. The last time I got to work with him was during Lucky Stiff. This roll gets to showcase his vocals and his acting abilities. He plays Mushnik as a frustrated store owner that is a bit clueless. Nate adds some fun additions to the roll that I've never seen in past productions.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Orin Scrivello is played by Carl Smith. Carl is a delight and his character is the complete opposite of him as a person. Throughout rehearsals I got to see his character grow into a chauvinistic man that is terrifying, but someone that people would be drawn to. He goes full Orin and is a stand out in the show.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
The voice of Audrey II is played by Joshua Adams. I've worked with Josh many times in the past. Josh has a comedic timing that I've never seen an Audrey II do. He is so funny to listen to him perform his lines. His vocals are strong and bring so much energy to the stage. He is a reason why you would want to come see this production.
(Photo credit: Beth Bruner)
Crystal is played by Michelle Frierson. The last time I got to work with her was during Tarzan. One of my favorite parts of the show is when she starts off "Skid Row." She puts her heart into the show. Her vocal classes show in her performance.
Ronnette is played by Rebecca Meats. The last time I got to work with her was during Annie. Since the last time I worked with her she has grown SO much. Her vocals are a showstopper and a reason why you would want to come see the show.
Chiffon is played by Leyla Vave. Our show is lucky that we got her into our show. She is young, but it doesn't show in her performance. She is excellent at belting and makes the trio sound gorgeous.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Taira Anderson is part of the Ensemble as plant seller and Snip. Taira cracks me up with all of her character work. Each one of her characters are significantly different and add to the show. She truly has a presence on stage and is a fun one to watch.
Easton Fairclough is part of the Ensemble as our puppeteer and Customer. Easton probably has the hardest job of all of the actors. Matching Audrey II's energy as the puppeteer is hard. (I subbed as the role in a rehearsal) He puts so much energy into the puppet where it is almost seamless and it feels that Josh's voice comes through the puppet.
Kaitlin Swensen is part of the Ensemble as Mrs. Luce and Interviewer. I always adore every time Kaitlin and I can work together. The last time we worked together was during Tarzan. Kaitlin always looks strong and confident on stage. Kaitlin works her heart out on stage and as a result she adds to the performance of the show. I love that she gets to go out of her comfort level and create a humorous moment on stage.
Nathan Unck is part of the Ensemble as the beginning Voice, Bernstein, and Martin. I've worked with Nate on many productions in the past. He uses his improv background to create an engaging character. His role is small, but it adds so much to our production and makes it different in a beautiful way.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Design:
The set was designed and painted by AJ Mecham. They made sure to fit the vision that Nanny had set forth. Walking into the theatre you truly feel like you are on Skid Row. This set is my most favorite set I've seen at the theatre in a while.
The costumers for the show are Aiden Christensen and Lisa Shortridge. Aiden is excellent at sewing and has an eye for design. (This is why I wanted to bring him on for this show.) Lisa made sure to keep things organized and that everyone had high quality costumes. Between the two of them they got costumes that fit the vibe of the show and fit within the time period.
The lights are designed by David Bruner. I have worked with David on other productions. David has put his heart and soul into designing gorgeous lights for this show. He has made sure that everyone is seen. (whether it is through moving the light or moving the actor.) Every single one of his lights are purposeful and fit with the mood of the show. Through his lights he is able to tell the story of this show.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Final Impressions:
Honestly, after this production I can now say that I adore Little Shop of Horrors. They cast and crew have created something that is magical and worth your time to see. If you have seen the show in the past, you want to come see this production. Come meet me at the Empress!
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
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