Review: BroadHollow Theatre Company's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Long Island's BroadHollow Theatre Company continues a terrific Summer season with a superb production of the musical Little Shop Of Horrors. This incarnation runs at East Islip's BayWay Theatre through August 26th continuing at their Elmont location beginning September 1st. Directed by Jason Allyn and boasting an excellent cast, this is based on the classic 1960 film. Book writer Howard Ashman pens (and writes the lyrics for) the theatre staple's heartfelt story and Alan Menken's music is a fun fusion of 1960s Rock & Roll, Doo-wop and Motown. You'll more than likely be familiar with the score's popular tunes including the title song and "Suddenly, Seymour".

In the tale, we follow lovable florist shop worker Seymour as he raises a new plant breed in an effort to boost his employer's (Mr. Mushnik portrayed by BroadHollow vet Gary Tifeld) struggling business located on run-down Skid Row. Steven Bennett (also a BroadHollow vet) strongly portrays the shy and well-meaning Seymour. An adorkable aura and terrific voice make him a natural for the role. Indeed an audience favorite is Mr. Bennett's rendition of "Grow For Me".

Seymour falls for co-worker Audrey (even naming the new plant Audrey II after her) wonderfully portrayed by Kate Keating. You begin to feel for Audrey because she is sweet, but she has this mentality that she doesn't deserve nice things or a great guy like Seymour. Ms. Keating balances her comedic delivery and emotional performances well and the enthusiastic audience responds resoundingly. Moreover, the Venus Flytrap type of plant that Seymour creates "comes to life" operated by Kyle Mahoney with Gary Richardson providing the booming voice. Yes, the plant talks (and sings, for that matter!).

As for the clever creative team, Robert Butterley's set is very well done obviously having the aging florist shop and a constantly growing Audrey II the centerpiece of the set. This is enhanced stunningly by Hemraj Budhram's lighting design and Joseph Kassner's costume design. Additionally, keep in mind there may be slight cast changes throughout the run including as they continue to Elmont.

And so, Little Shop Of Horrors is certainly another hit for Long Island's BroadHollow Theatre Company. A brilliant cast and endearing story make for a fun night of theatre.

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Little Shop Of Horrors is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company at the BayWay Theatre of East Islip through August 26th continuing to the Elmont location beginning September 1st. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.

Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken, Directed by Jason Allyn, Technical Direction & Set Design by Robert Butterley, Stage Management by Matt Mendoza, Lighting Design by Hemraj Budhram, Costume Design by Joseph Kassner, Choreography by Rochelle Martin-Vecchio, Musical Direction by Elizabeth DeGennaro

Starring Alexa Arent, Steven Bennett, Olivia Diaz, Madison Greene, Menyon Harrell, Steffy Jolin, Kate Keating, Kyle Mahoney, Mark Maurice, David Reyes, Gary Richardson, Davina Roberts, Evan Stechauner, and Gary Tifeld

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