BWW Reviews: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Charms Sioux Falls

Little Shop of Horrors at the Sioux Empire Community Theatre will have you bopping in your seats and singing all the way home.

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman. It is the story of Seymour (played by Chase Kramer) a somewhat nerdy but all around lovable florist who raises a mysterious and interesting plant that resembles a venus flytrap. The musical is based on a 1960's film by the same name. The music is in the style of 1960's rock and doo-wop with influences of Motown. The musical premiered Off Off Broadway in 1982 and was turned into a movie in 1986.

When I first sat down in the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls I was blown away at the scenic design (Victor Shonk and Natalie Hining). The way that the main setting of Mushnik's Flower Shop was set back while the dirt and grime of Skid Row took center stage was impressive. No detail was left out. From the rotting stoops to the grime on the floors, it was all there. That kind of attention to detail allows the audience to get lost in the story and allows the characters to truly shine.

The first number (Prologue/Little Shop Of Horrors) sung by "The Trio" (Whitney Hansen, Danielle Hanson, Laurel Holcomb) prepared the audience for the stylized nature of the show and took us right to the 1960's. The vocal abilities and tight harmonies of "The Trio" were apparent throughout the show. They serve as the narrators and guides and these three rarely missed a beat. They were tight, talented and totally enjoyable to watch.

Seymour (Chase Kramer) and Audrey (Mel Peterson) served as the romantic and comedic leads. Their comedic timing, vocal talent, and complete commitment to character carried the show. Kramer played the role of loveable nerd to a tee. From the tape around his glasses to his hunched over posture, you couldn't help but want to hug him. More than once Kramer's vocal abilities gave me chills, he incorporated his character voice into each and every song without losing his power and ability. Kramer was a joy to watch each second he hit the stage. The other half of this duo is Audrey, played by Mel Peterson. From her big wig to her big voice Peterson was the picture of delightful ditz. She "pranced" everywhere she went and pulled off leopard print like a pro. Her performance of Somewhere That's Green was skilled and memorable. Peterson has a dynamic voice and played the tacky girl next door exceptionally well.

The relatively small ensemble of 17 were all very well cast and directed by Eric E. Parrish. Parrish, did a great job of weaving heart into the somewhat campy musical. From the endearing Mushnik (Robin Byrne) to the loathsome Orin Scrivello D.D.S (Brian Wilcox) every character was fully developed and exciting to watch.

In every production of Little Shop the first question, by people in the know, is, "How was Audrey II?" Audrey II is without a doubt the unsung star of this show. This particular show hit it out of the park! Audrey II is a larger than life venus flytrap which grows bigger and bigger as the show progresses. Having a bad Audrey II can ruin a great production. SECT's Audrey II was awesome! It took 5 people to make this gigantic plant come to life. It was nothing short of theatre magic. Bravo to the Audrey II puppet team (Tim Hanson, Katie Goehring, Josh Sauer, Jesse Eulberg and Adam Catangui). The song Feed Me (Git it!) was an amazing duo between man and plant! Bravos all around.

As the show concluded I couldn't help but think how lucky Sioux Falls is to have such a strong community theatre. Executive Director Patrick Pope is bringing a level of theatre to the Sioux Empire that is needed, welcomed and celebrated by local theatre lovers.

Here are the details:

Friday September 19 at 7pm

Saturday September 20 at 7pm

Sunday September 21 at 2pm

Purchase your tickets by visiting www.siouxfallstheatre.com or call the box office at 605-360-4800.

Please do not miss out on the chance to see this terrific show right in downtown Sioux Falls. It truly is community theatre at its finest.

Photo Credit: SECT 2014

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