Review: SoLuna's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

A delightful Little Shop of Horrors is the latest offering from Long Island's SoLuna Studio. Based on the classic 1960 film, 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 and roll, doo-wop and Motown. You will probably be familiar with the score's popular tunes including the title song and "Suddenly, Seymour". The Hauppauge venue's enjoyable incarnation runs through October 30th and Artistic Director Karen Braun excellently directs the talented cast who effortlessly delivers in each of their performances.

SoLuna staple Nick Caron strongly portrays shy and well-meaning Seymour Krelborn, the creator of the carnivorous plant to boost his employer's business located on run-down Skid Row. Mr. Caron is top notch in the role and sang the score well as he is in the majority of the show's numbers. His love interest is co-worker Audrey who is wonderfully portrayed by Chelsea Camin. You kind of feel sorry for Audrey because she is sweet, but she has the mentality she doesn't deserve good things in life or a good guy like Seymour. She lives on Skid Row and is abused by her boyfriend. Ms. Camin blends her comedic delivery and emotional performances well and the enthusiastic audience responds resoundingly.

Also a highlight is Haley Licata, Kristin Markowski, and Nicole Kelly who deliver absolutely stunning performances as The Urchins - Ms. Licata portraying Ronette, Ms. Markowski portraying Crystal, and Ms. Kelly portraying Chiffon. They appear throughout the show to give a running commentary addressing the audience at some points and are also part of the story. They are smart, sassy, and their voices sound beautiful together as well as individually.

The entire cast is truly superb as is Ms. Braun's creative team.

Ms. Braun and Mr. Caron also coordinate the innovative costumes while Megan Pietroforte manages the Lights, Sound, and designed the Set. They make great use of the intimate stage for the aging florist shop, the centerpiece of the set. Additionally, the venus flytrap type of plant Seymour creates comes to life and is operated by Shawn Brennan with Randy Rice providing the booming voice. Yes, the plant talks (and sings, for that matter!)

And so it seems SoLuna has another hit on their hands with Little Shop of Horrors. Is this fun and comical production consistently produced? Sure; especially around Halloween. However, that is certainly no excuse to miss out on this well-executed show.

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Little Shop Of Horrors is presented by SoLuna Studio through October 30th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 761-6602 or visit www.solunastudiony.com.

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics and Book by Howard Ashman, based on Roger Corman's film The Little Shop of Horrors, Directed by Karen Braun , Choreography by Haley Licata, Musical Direction by Danny Passadino, Lights & Sound & Set by Megan Pietroforte, Costumes by Karen Braun & Nick Caron

Starring Chelsea Camin, Nick Caron, Mark Maurice, Fred Camin, Randy Rice, Shawn Brennan, Haley Licata, Kristin Markowski, Kira Gresser, and Nicole Kelly

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