Little Shop of Horrors

Loved this fabulous show! http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/little-shop-of-horrors-the-hayes-theatre/Feed me, Seymour! Yes, the fabulous cult classic musical has returned with this dazzlingly superb production at the Hayes. Viewers might be familiar with the 1986 film starring Steve Martin and previous stage versions of the 1982 off-Broadway show. This is a magnificent black comedy musical which can be read as a moral fable about the pitfalls and horrors of capitalism and the prevalence of the greed is good mentality. Styled on the B grade sci-fi horror movies of the 1950′s, the plot is set down in Skid Row and sees mild and meek flower shop assistant Seymour Krelborn (Brent Hill) come across a weird new plant species, which he names after his stunning but vulnerable colleague Audrey (Esther Hannaford). The sinister plant appears to be his ticket to fame and fortune, but the plant, (which feeds on one sort of dangerously obtained food only ), unexpectedly grows and grows…and GROWS! Seymour discovers horribly that feeding his ambition starts to demand horribly fussier and juicier ingredients. Eventually, Seymour and Audrey must battle the perilous and persuasive plant- not just for their lives, but for the very future of planet Earth! This current revival of the classic show has been brought to us by the producers and award-winning creative team behind the 2014 production of Sweet Charity, and joining forces with them are the master puppet-makers Erth who have created a very exciting and new Audrey II for the 21st century. Lovingly and brilliantly directed by Dean Bryant , with its superb cast , Act 1 is all in black and white like a grainy 1950’s movie. As we take our seats we see a galaxy spinning … Act 2 is in bright bold colour with dynamic floral costumes. In Act 1 we can see that the floor of the Mushnik florist shop is slightly tilted – in Act 2, when Audrey 2 is huge, this is far more obscured. The excellent band is hidden behind all this. The snazzy choreography, showbizzy and typical of the 1960’s girl bands of the time, is tight and snappy throughout yet fluid where required. Esther Hannaford is excellent as the beautiful Audrey and sings superbly in a thrilling performance. Her comic timing is superb. She is smart but put upon (a victim of domestic violence by her boyfriend the dentist) and exploited (not paid enough by Mr Mushnik and way overworked in Act2 once the Mushnik and Son business has taken off – ‘Call Back In The Morning’). Audrey longs to break away from the horrible, mad Orin Scrivello her boyfriend but is petrified as to what he would do to her if she left. She likes Seymour but doubts he would like her. Everything changes once Scrivello mysteriously vanishes…( The wickedly delightful Suddenly Seymour duet in Act2 had the audience cheering). All she wants is to escape to ‘somewhere that‘s green’. There are allusions to Les Miserables and Rent with the reprise of the ballad, . Nerdy, endearing,downtrodden bespectacled Seymour is terrifically played by Brent Hill, who also impressively provides the voice for Audrey 11, That weird eclipse when he discovers Audrey 2 changes his life. Seymour has a major moral dilemma in both acts (how to feed the voraciously demanding Audrey 2 and what to do about the mysterious disappearances of Scrivello and Mr Mushnik for starters, let alone all the TV and lecture offers he receives…The increasing line of agents and TV people with offers is hilarious. ( bravo Dash Kruck). Mr Mushnik is splendidly played by Tyler Coppin (Strictly Ballroom, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) with enormous relish and impeccable timing. The exuberant Mushnik and Son duet with Seymour in Act 1 stops the show- there are allusions to both Oliver!and Fiddler On The Roof– much fun. Mr Mushnik’s life dramatically changes too, from running a small, struggling business to one where the phones literally ring off the hook and he can update to elegant new clothes. As Orvin Srivello DDS , every patient’s nightmare, Scott Johnson is creepily handsome, overbearing, sadistic, dominating and self centered . His black biker jacket has sinister tones. Johnson’s wonderfully dark Be A Dentist brought the house down .He is very cruel to Audrey. His death could be regarded as rather appropriate. The guy sure looks like plant food to me…. Chiffon, Ronnette and Crystal, the wonderful girl trio, make for a smart and very sassy chorus. Their singing is vibrant, and their clever interactions with the main characters move the story forward. Joyously performed, this magnificent production was rapturously received by the opening night audience . Book now to avoid disappointment. Whatever you do just don’t feed the plants! Running time 2 hours 20 (approx.) including interval. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is playing at the Hayes Theatre, Greenknowe Avenue until the 19th March and then is going on national tour.