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The story centers around an insecure orphan named Seymour who works in a Skid Row flower shop with the pessimistic owner, Mr. Mushnik, and a Donna Reed wanna- be, Audrey. One day, Seymour finds a very strange and unusual plant and names it Audrey II. Little does he know that the plant is from another galaxy and plans to devour all human life on the planet. Rounding out the characters are three street urchins, Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette, who serve as a rockin' Greek chorus through out the show.
After finally seeing the stage version, I was surprized how closely the it resembled the 1986 film, except for the movie's insipid happy ending. Director David Ira Goldstein was able to find that balance between frivolous and fun needed to make Little Shop work. With details in posture, staging and delivery, Goldstein pushes the edge, but doesn't go over the cliff.
But it's up to the actors to deliver. I thought the wonderfully wicked, motorcycle riding Dentist, played John Schiappa, acted like a drunk Elvis impersonator. My companion thought he was trying for the Jim Carrey look. In either case, I didn't feel Schiappa hit the mark with the audience. However, Schiappa was hilarious in the stilted roles as Bernstein, Snip, Luce and everyone else. His most impressive move was from a cowboy/salesman to an aging debutante. This quick change in clothes and personality had the audience impressed.
Valley veteran Debby Rosenthal was the audience favorite opening night as the sweet, passive, ditzy, blonde bombshell, Audrey. Rosenthal's performance was the spitting image of Ellen Greene's in the '86 remake, from her breathy giggle to her modeled poses. While the audience loved it, I'm hesitant to say it was a wonderful performance and not just wonderful mimicry. But you can't knock Rosenthal's control on such numbers as "Somewhere That's Green" and my favorite "Suddenly, Seymour." She was extraordinary. With this role, Rosenthal's Phoenix star is rising to fill the void Kathy Fitzgerald created.
Dennis Rowland returned to ATC from last season's Blues in the Night to play the voice of Audrey II. His timing and booming bass pipes were a direct hit. When Audrey II came alive for the first time during "Feed Me", the house was rocking with laughter.
Long time ATC favorite Benjamin Stewart filled the role of Mr. Mushnik. While I have loved his performances in the past, his Mushnik failed to strike a chord with me opening night. He had the lines down, he had the shtick, but I didn't feel any real spark.
I felt the same about John Allee's Seymour, until the end of the first act. Allee's solo in the dentist office gave Seymour new life and more conflicting emotions to play with that continued to build until his unfortunate demise.
The three singers that completed the cast were all outside talent from New York and California. Kimberly Hawthorne as Crystal appeared to have a few vocal problems opening night. My bet is that it was due to one of the many cold virus' rooming through the valley. Bambi Jones as Ronnette and Sharon Leal as Chiffon were perfection. Leal appeared to be the strongest of the bunch, but all the girls worked together brilliantly in show stopping numbers the audience loved.
As for those behind the scenes, ATC went for broke. The set design was wonderful, from the store front to the gigantic Audrey II at the end of the show. ATC even threw in some surprize guest spots. They wrangled the talents of the "Shazam Meister" himself, Al McCoy, and local radio veteran, Pat McMahon, as voice overs. Jerry Wayne Harkey did another wonderful job as Musical Director along with his five piece band. Patricia Wilcox, responsible for Choreography and Musical Staging, was able to slip in many cometic elements amongst her excellent upbeat footwork.
The were only two technical elements I would fault. There were a few spots on stage that were too dark to see the actors faces. Whether this was opening night operator error or Lighting Designer Don Darnutzer's decision, it was noticeable. Ed Fusco, who manipulated the gigantic plant, did a good job with the trap-syncing. However, in the beginning when the plant was smaller and sitting on the shelf, there were some timing problems.
Season after season, ATC has opened with upbeat, blues reviews assured to be box office hits like Blues in the Night, and Ain't Misbehavin'. While those were great shows that raked in the dough, I was glad they choose to bring in great musical theatre, rather than just great music to a theatre. With a highly talented cast, wonderful sets and great direction of David Ira Goldstein, Little Shop of Horrors is a delightful, campy romp that will leave you singing and smiling for days to come.
Little Shop of Horrors continues at the Herberger Theatre Center, Center Stage through January 14. Call 252-8497 (TIXS) for dates and ticket prices.
Viewed Saturday December 30, 1995
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