Audiences were immediately drawn into the latest production on stage at the Eagle Eye Theatre when a couple of winos slowly emerged from behind the curtain and walked up the aisles panhandling for change. This set the tone for the skid row setting of Little Shop of Horrors and the audience never stopped giggling.
The musical is by now very well established as a Broadway hit and hugely popular movie starring a number of stars. And thousands of audiences can't be wrong. It can safely be said that the story of a man-eating plant helping a pathetic schlub climb into the limelight while seducing him into feeding its appetites hasn't been done before, or since. And the songs are so catchy that even those few people who've never heard of the show would recognize the tunes.
The challenge, however, would lie in the singing, acting and choreography. The show opens with strong musical number by the Ronettes - Sarah Fuller, Andrea Lake and Valentina Oreamuno - and keeps up the pace with hilarious performances by Mike Ciccone as Seymour the quintessential schlub, Rebecca Hall, who is unrecognizable as his love interest, the squeaky and very blond Audrey, Skai Stevenson as Mr. Mushnik and Travis Woods in numerous roles, but most notably the sadistic dentist.
Although a few of the featured actors openly admit to having very little experience singing, under musical director Fran Booth and vocal director Veronica McPhee, even the weaker singers find a style of their own to perform each song with confidence. And the choreography and direction of Ryan Mooney maintains cohesiveness throughout the show while it builds to an eight-part harmony performed by over a dozen cast members.
No one actor carries the show; all give standout comedic performances. I've never laughed as hard during a death scene as I have watching the dentist kick the bucket. That scene alone is worth the price of admission. Little Shop of Horrors is at the Eagle Eye Theatre Saturday (April 30) at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for seniors and children and $12 for adults and students.
