Little Shop of Horrors

Audience members were overheard describing the evening as  "magical" as they left the Hayes Theatre. The Sci-Fi musical, based on the 1960 cult film written by Charles B Griffith then developed into a musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, had just exploded onto the stage, with power house vocals boosted by surround sound.

This production is ready to hook a new generation of "plant lovers".  Audrey II, made by Erth Visual and Physical Inc  is a blood hungry alien Venus flytrap that swallowed up the entire stage.  He was almost likeable voiced by the leading man Seymour, played by Brent Hill (Rock of Ages). Accompanied by an off stage chorus he had a booming sound. He sang both his part and that of Audrey II. Brent seamlessly transitioned from one voice to the other, yet never failed to portray a naïve and lovable Seymour.

Esther Hannaford (King Kong) gave a flawless performance as Audrey. This role demands a killer belt, spotless comic timing and a complete vulnerability and Esther delivered the goods. Audrey's continued belief that love is worth everything is both beautiful and touching with her hilarious but heart felt presence.

The show however is carried by the powerhouse trio Angelique Cassimatis (Strictly Ballroom, Rocky Horror), Josie Lane (Fame) and Chloe Zuel (Les Mis). They  play the 60s styled doo wop girls Crystal, Chiffon and Ronnette. These girls blend beautifully while belting out their lungs; one could only describe their sound as an 'eargasm on steroids'.

These super sexy/sassy street urchins who narrate the plot are usually played by Afro-Americans. In this production Angelique and Josie  brought a Latino  and Italian/American flavor .

The set for makes great use of the small stage with its quirky angles and striking colours. The stage is slanted the colours are dull.  Everything was black and white even Audrey's hair was grey reflecting the attitude of the life of the characters.

This juxtaposes with the vibrance of the second act when the flowers come to life.

Scott Johnson (Jersey Boys) intimidates yet is almost loveable as the nitric acid puffing dentist Orin Scrivello.

Little Shop of Horrors has taken 'musical theatre' and done it right, book your tickets while you still can!

Rebecca Spicer

Photographer: Jeff Busby