"Little Shop" at Toby's Columbia a Monster Hit

◊◊◊◊◊ out of five.

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There is magic happening onstage nightly at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia – that special magic that happens when all of the theatre stars align and the perfect cast, directors and design team collaborate on the perfect show.  That perfection is the ever-popular Little Shop of Horrors, home to Seymour, Mushnik, Audrey and the plant that seeks world domination, Audrey II.  Skid Row has never been this much fun, trust me!  Little Shop of Horrors opened recently, and should, if there is any fairness left in the world make a star of its leading lady.  But more about her later. 

Under the knowing directorial hands of Toby Orenstein and Toby's veteran Ray Hatch (seen as "Horse" in The Full Monty at the Baltimore location), this Little Shop is a sweet laugh riot, playing the perfect level that the schmaltzy satire that it is requires.  The undoing of many other productions of the same show is to go way overboard with the shtick and overplaying.  Without being grounded by an edge of sincerity and true feeling, other versions might make you momentarily happy, but ultimately empty (like eating a marshmallow or a Pez).  That is definitely not the case with this stellar production.

Mr. Hatch and Ms. Orenstein have crafted a production that is virtually seamless, so tight is the direction and flow of the scenes.  Nothing is left to chance – even the scene changes are choreographed – but it never once feels robotic.  The main cast is supported by a small but truly abled ensemble who lend their fine voices to the bigger numbers and create several distinct (and quite funny) bit parts throughout the evening.  Mr. Hatch and Toby's regular Jeffrey Shankle are especially adept at creating memorable denizens of Skid Row. 

One of the best parts of the show itself is the Urchins: Chiffon (Janine Gulisano-Sunday), Crystal (Alana J. Thomas) and Ronnette (Robin Rouse).  They are a Greek chorus narrating trio in the guise of a Motown girl group.  Together and separately all three make a great impression and really boost the already breakneck pace of the show.  Choreographed by Mr. Hatch, the three weave in and out of the story, getting the whole thing started with the exhilarating title number, and keeping things moving with the comical "Da-Doo". 

Every good story has a villain, and Little Shop has a doozy – a sadistic dentist named Orin, played with devilish glee by Russell Sunday, who works wonders with these types of roles – he also played Gaston with very similar pomp and gusto.  But here he is even a little more evil, and comes dangerously close to not being likeable.  In this case, that is not a bad thing.  To the contrary, you should want to boo and hiss the guy.  After all, he beats the sweet Audrey.  And yet, he is so funny, you can't help but be a little drawn to him yourself.  Mr. Sunday's big number, "Now (It's Just the Gas)" is a rousing end to the first act. 

This production features the voice of Genevieve Williams as Audrey II, unusual for the fact that most productions, including the original employ a deep voiced male in the role.  Well, this change works so well, I actually prefer it.  Alternating between an insinuating purr, and a commanding woman-in-charge, Williams gives us a plant that alternately seduces and terrifies.  And what an amazing voice!  Her "Feed Me!" is a highlight of the whole show.  And I would be totally amiss to not mention the invaluable contributions of the Audrey II manipulators, Adam Grabau and Michael Lehan, who give the plant all of its physical character.  These three create one hell of a plant! 

David Bosley-Reynolds, rapidly becoming one of my favorite local performers, gives a somewhat harder edged performance as Mr. Mushnik, florist of Skid Row.  His Mushnik is not cuddly, but driven by success, and this offers some definite clarity to the point that he adopts Seymour for purely monetary reasons, and it makes his later demise all the more satisfying.  When he turns on Seymour, you want to cheer as he is swallowed whole!  He and Mr. James also share an amazing chemistry, nowhere more apparent than their raucous tango-fied "Mushnik and Son."  And for those of you familiar with Mr. Reynolds' recent work, he even works in a hilarious tribute to his awesome Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof! 

The heartfelt and still silly romp that is on the Toby's stage offers all the laughs and over the top characters of all the others, but thanks to two thoroughly engaging leads, the show really soars as a heart-warmer, too!

Those leads are two time Helen Hayes Award-winner David James as the nebbish junior botanist Seymour and Heather Marie Beck as the platinum blonde bombshell with a heart of gold, Audrey.  The chemistry between the two will melt the coldest of Grinch hearts, and lovers of the ballad "Suddenly Seymour" will thrill to their bar-setting performance.  Both actors excel at the physical comedy aspects of their roles – Mr. James does some fun acrobatics in the dentist chair, while Ms. Beck manages to flit, fairy-like about the set in some outrageously tight animal print dresses (designed by Lawrence B. Munsey).  Separately, they are equally exciting.  James is especially convincing as the clumsy nerd – his physicality is so real, it is hard to believe he is acting – and as he rises to a new level of self-confidence and all the happiness that goes with it, you can't help but root for the guy.  Ms. Beck, in what should be a star-making turn, gives the classic "Somewhere That's Green" a whole new life.  Her rendition of that number was so superb that tears welled in my eyes, even as the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.  She has a true comedic gift, as well.  What makes her Audrey so funny is that she plays it all for real, no matter how outrageous the script or direction takes her character.  Bravo to both amazing actors. 

The real icing on the cake here is the first-rate production values of this production.  Mr. Munsey's costumes are absolutely perfect.  From Seymour's geeky plaids and sweater vests, to Audrey's skin tight parade of animal prints, including, hilariously, leopard print handcuffs, high-heeled pumps, and sleeping mask!  Lynn Joslin's colorful lighting lends to the comic book feel of the piece and adding great focus throughout.  Dave Eske's elaborate set gives the audience that surrounds the main stage set an environmental feel, as dirty billboards and decrepit brickwork puts us smack dab in the middle of Skid Row.  His more concrete, and still suggestive main set, the flower shop changes and grows with the success of the shop, all grounded by a sharp linoleum floor that delineates the shop from the rest of the world.  I won't give it away, but when you go, be sure to pay attention to the "shop windows" on the far wall of the theatre.  Mr. Eske has created one of the best visual sight gags I've seen in ages! 

And so there you have it.  Little Shop of Horrors at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia is a resounding hit – light as a feather for summer, and yet amazing for its production values.  You should not miss this wonderful show!

 

PHOTOS: TOP to BOTTOM:  Audrey II and David James; Heather Marie Beck, David James and Audrey II; Heather Marie Beck and David James.

 

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