Revolution Stage Company has once again proved what a welcome addition it is to the valley’s theatrical community with its production of Little Shop of Horrors.
The horror comedy, with music by Alan Menken and book/lyrics by Howard Ashman, premiered off-off-Broadway in 1982. Ashman wrote that his goal was to satirize science fiction, “B” movies and musical comedy itself. The off-Broadway production at the Orpheum Theatre in Manhattan won both the Drama Desk Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. It was the highest-grossing musical in off-Broadway history.
The setting is a struggling flower shop on New York’s Skid Row, run by the grumpy Mrs. Mushnik (Rebecca McWilliams). As the show opens, a trio of street urchins—Crystal (Heather Joy), Ronette (Imani De Leon) and Chiffon (Zelaya Divina Sanchez)—welcome us to the action with their infectious doo-wop/Motown harmonies.
Mrs. Mushnik’s employees are Seymour Krelborn (Robert Garcia), a poor, young orphan currently living and working at the shop after Mushnik took pity on him; and Audrey (Candace Coe), a lissome blonde with poor taste in men.
Following a sudden eclipse of the sun, Seymour finds a mysterious plant resembling a Venus flytrap. Harboring romantic feelings for Audrey, Seymour names the plant Audrey II. The plant does not immediately thrive—but that changes when it gets a taste of human blood after Seymour pricks his finger on a thorn.
Business at the flower shop booms once Audrey II starts growing and becomes a public attraction, and Seymour becomes a hero (“Ya Never Know”). Offers for TV and radio appearances start pouring in, and Mrs. Mushnik takes notice, offering to adopt Seymour and make him a partner in the business. Audrey even reveals her dreams of leaving her abusive dentist boyfriend Orin (Koby Queenen) for a suburban life with Seymour (“Somewhere That’s Green”).
As for the rest of the plot … we’ll just say Seymour loses control of the whole situation as Audrey II becomes more and more bloodthirsty.
Director James Owens has assembled a superb cast, all of whom give strong performances under his able direction.
The trio of urchins—Joy, De Leon and Sanchez—serves as a kind of Greek chorus, providing commentary throughout the show. They are a fun, sassy, cohesive unit with excellent vocal harmonies; each of the three has standout moments.
McWilliams is just right as the shrewd, feisty, hilarious Mrs. Mushnik. Though keeping her business afloat is her top priority, her soft spot for Seymour shines through.
Queenen is a hoot as Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend Orin. Big, blustery and mean, he’s the character you love to hate. He’s got a strong singing voice—everyone in this cast does—and he also does a nice job with other minor characters in this production.
Coe is perfectly cast as Audrey. She comes across as sweet, sexy and vulnerable. You want to reach out and give her a big hug—and then sit her down for some serious counseling regarding her love life. The genuine longing in her version of “Somewhere That’s Green” is palpable.
Garcia is nearly flawless as Seymour. Though he has a tall, imposing presence, he still manages to come across as gawky and awkward. Garcia’s voice is impressive, and his dynamics are fabulous—he can be quiet and tender, and he can belt it out, depending on what the song requires. His duet with Coe on “Suddenly Seymour” is a highlight of the show.
Special mention must be made of the folks who bring Audrey II alive. Alisha Bates provides the man-eating plant’s voice in a tour de force performance. Her voice is bluesy, sultry and sometimes even guttural—this girl can sing!
Puppeteer Carlos Garcia is the unseen force proving Audrey II’s movements, and he does so with great skill. There are times when Audrey II seems to come alive on her own—with no one pulling the strings—which is the goal. The construction of the final, largest version of Audrey II is particularly impressive. Kudos to Owens, Kelly McGuire and Mariah Pryor, for set design/construction, sound and lighting, respectively.
The multi-talented and always-dependable Jaci Davis handles musical direction duties here beautifully, especially with the trio’s harmonies.
This production of Little Shop of Horrors is fun, lively and touching, with some very dark humor mixed in. Do yourself a favor—and go see it.
Little Shop of Horrors will be performed at various times and dates through Saturday, Nov. 23, at Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $25, and the show is two hours, with one 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.