Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaGilmore Creek Summer Theatre
book and lyrics: Howard Ashman
music: Alan Menken
director: Judy Myers
music director: Anthony Freeman
choreographer: Christine Martin
dialect coach: Shanara Gabrielle
scenic designer: Lisa V. Kudas
lighting designer: Matthew Albrecht
costume designer: Janis Martin
fight choreographer: Mike Speck
production stage manager: Sarah St. Laurent
cast: Karin McNamara, Mariah Ciangiola, Libby Snyder, Stephen DiBlasi, Sarah Jane Marek, Tyler Bellmon, Eric Zuber, Peyton Conley, Mike Speck
A nerdy florist buys an unusual plant that feeds on human blood. The plant brings him fame and fortune but costs him everything that is dear to him.
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This was a really, really fine production.
I realized, as I sat in the theatre, that I've never seen the stage version. I've listened to the cast album plenty and have seen both the Rick Moranis/Ellen Greene film version and the Roger Corman original, but not the stage version.
And I like it.
This particular production had a very nice cast, competent cast. Seymour (Tyler Bellmon) and Audry (Sarah Jane Marek) both managed to portray real people and yet have their caricature quirks at the same time. "Audry" especially seemed quite good.
The chorus (Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette) was fine. Their singing voices lovely, though their acting less than stellar.
Peyton Conley as the sadistic dentist managed to do a fine job being threatening to Audrey during their scene in the florist shop, but he lacked a spark during his song ... whether it was just a bit of missing charisma, or lack of believability in his sadistic nature, I'm not sure.
Stephen DiBlasi as Mr. Mushnik played the part just right, but lacks vocal power (it always sounds as though he's speaking from his throat and not from the diaphram) and often his words were lost.
The direction was wonderful as the show moved briskly from scene to scene.
A very entertaining evening.
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