Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Alhambra Theatre And Dining

Little Shop of Horrors was a great experience, especially for someone who knew absolutely nothing about the show. The entire cast made the experience so enjoyable, leaving the audience laughing after almost every scene.

Seymour gave "sunshine, dirt, plant food, and water to sip", but Benjamin Smith gave life to the character. From the moment Smith stepped on stage he presented Seymour as the stereotypical odd ball who would become important and popular. Smith's physical acting was fantastic, constantly tripping over himself or dropping objects around Mushnik's Flower Shop. Seymour becomes more popular among his community after his discovery of the Audrey II, and though he has more confidence he is still as quirky as before. Smith played Seymour so innocently, that the audience observed the murders as almost humorous rather than diabolical.

Audrey, played by Jessica Booth, was extraordinary. The Jacksonville native had many moments throughout the entire show that left me laughing. Audrey's key moments really represented her character such as "Somewhere That's Green". Though, the character has some humorous moments throughout the song, the emotional moments were represented by a beautiful voice. Booth's part in "Suddenly, Seymour" was also incredible. She and Smith had such a great chemistry in this number that truly represented that two very different people can end up together.

There were many other characters full of talent. Daniel Robert Sullivan deserves major applause for playing so many different characters and distinguishing them from one another so well! His greatest character was Orin, the dangerous dentist who is in a relationship with Audrey and finds himself the first victim to Audrey II's appetite. Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette, played by Linzy Lauren, Sarah Sanders, and Meka King respectively, all had a great presence on stage. Each had an incredible voice and added a great quality to the show. Mr. Mushnik, played by Tony Dietterick, had great wit and enthusiasm as he learns that his shop is no longer in trouble thanks to his newly adopted son, Seymour. He had a great chemistry with Smith, and their number "Mushnik and Son" was comical and playful. A few important people behind the character of Audrey II include Rendell Anthony Debose as the voice, and Luke Holt and Victoria Miller as the puppeteers. All did a great job with timing and movement of the giant plant puppet. They never missed a beat between Audrey II and Seymour.

The atmosphere was fun and enjoyable for everyone at The Alhambra Theatre. The entire cast of Little Shop of Horrors was exceptionally talented.

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