Music Theater Works presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
Down on Skid Row…. Folks are broke. Life’s a joke. And the local floral shop is doomed to close. Everything changes when an awkward clerk discovers an unusual plant. When he places it in the window, the growing flora instantly attracts the attention of the neighborhood, the media and later the world. Fame and fortune transform the shop and Seymour. Suddenly, Seymour is getting everything he wished for including the girl. The only problem is the mysterious plant food that fuels these changes.
The creative team of Alan Menken (book and lyrics) and Howard Ashman (music) debuted this horror comedy musical in the 80s. Menken and Ashman combine poverty woes and hopeful dreams into catchy harmonies. They mingle in an underdog, a damsel in distress and a 1960s girl group. And then, they twist it with absurdity and gore for unique and playful theatrics.
Director Kyle Dougan masterfully casts this with top-notch talent. In the leads, an earnest Jimmy Hogan (Seymour) and the beautiful ‘dumb blonde’ Kayla Shipman (Audrey) make a delightful pairing. Under the music direction of Linda Madonia, their singing, individually and collectively, has both sincerity and power. Their duet “Suddenly Seymour” is a hopeful anthem to true love.
Between their harmonies, wardrobe changes and unapologetic moxie, the trio of China Orr, Michaela Dukes and Kianna Beverly are terrific! These ladies appear on the stoop, behind the glass, and in the dentist office and immediately take charge. They add style and oomph to every scene. Costume Designer Rachel M. Sypniewski and Hair/Wig Designers Alice Salazar and Melanie Saso dress them up for a hip and sassy ongoing fashion show. The triple threat even get real and hilarious with dental guards. They take on the brutish and riotous Sam Nachison. The versatile Nachison plays multiple roles with oafish distinction.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a fun visit to Skid Row! The play is especially a treat for families around Halloween. In this production, the music and the comedy are particularly alluring. And nod out to Najee Musiq Rawls (voice of Audrey II) whose sultry baritone zings the “Suppertime” humor. You’ll want to get Down to Skid Row to see this plant!
*Side note: I really enjoyed this production. The cast was truly amazing. Unfortunately, for our Sunday matinee performance, a guest sitting behind me was pretty vocal during the entire show. The gentleman had a disability. Although I want live theatre accessible to all, I struggled to immerse myself in the performance as I was distracted. And I felt bad for the cast and my fellow audience members.
Running Time: Two hours and ten minutes includes an intermission
At North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd
Book and lyrics by Alan Mencken
Music by Howard Ashman
Directed by Kyle A. Dougan
Music directed by Linda Madonia
Choreography by Reneisha Jenkins
Performances are:
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Wednesdays and Sundays at 2pm
Thru November 17
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Brett Beiner
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago