(L-R) Kevin Chamberlin, Mj Rodriguez, Tickwanya Jones, Cheyenne Isabel Wells, George Salazar (Center), Brittany Campbell and Matthew Wilkas (Photo – Jenny Graham)
In the interest of full disclosure, I feel I must first confess that I have not seen the movie nor any of the theatrical productions of “Little Shop of Horrors” and I perhaps shared that distinction with absolutely no one in the audience. I had no expectations, nothing to compare it to, and was ready for the full virginal experience of this cult classic.
By Carol Edger Germain
Full of comically gruesome “horror” softened and ironically accompanied and enhanced by excellent singing and dancing with more than a nod to Motown, along with tinges of grunge and hip-hop, it was engaging.
The staging at the Pasadena Playhouse easily transitioned from outdoor skid row to the indoor area of the shop to the medical setting without full set changes. Director Mike Donahue seamlessly focused the audience’s attention on the active areas of the set as the story unfolded. George Salazar as Seymour, the nerdy, needy floral shop employee and Mj Rodriguez as sincere Audrey, stuck in an abusive relationship, were excellent choices. Kevin Chamberlain as Mr. Mushnik, who had raised abandoned baby Seymour, was sometimes sullen, sometimes kind, and sometimes greedy. Even as Seymour embraces the dark opportunities presented to him, he remains lovable and we are rooting for him. the music (directed by Darryl Archibald), dancing (choreographed by Will B. Bell) and the deserving nature of some of the victims help us justify our support of Seymour’s activities. We cheered the fate of Orin Scrivello (a caricature played enthusiastically and appropriately to an extreme by Matthew Wilkas). Audrey is vibrantly human, we know that she just needs to believe, take charge, and realize her options and possibilities.
“Little Shop of Horrors” at the Pasadena Playhouse (Photo – Jenny Graham)
And then….there’s Audrey II (Amber Riley). Wow, when her voice explodes and commands our attention we must listen, laugh, and “root” for her, pun intended. She is offstage the entire time, playing only the voice of the carnivorous Audrey II. The singing, dancing, strutting, and banter of Brittany Campbell, Tickwanya Jones, and Cheyenne Isabel Wells as the “Urchins” provide the thread that ties the story together. I was not overly impressed with the puppetry and special effects as the plant exploded to more than lifesize, but by that point I was invested in the story and pleased that the Little Shop was getting more horrific. That part of the production could be tweaked a bit but overall it was fun with a dark tinge.
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