The drama program will mix realistic themes with a sci-fi twist for its upcoming musical Little Shop of Horrors, running April 25-27.
Senior Hadley Connell will direct the show, also having directed the fall play Midsummer/Jersey.
“I am so excited to see everything come together and have my cast be able to work off of the energy an audience brings,” she said.
The musical features a mixture of genres, including rock and doo-wop. Senior Grant Coleman, who will play the baritone saxophone with the jazz band to accompany the acting, commented on the varied styles.
“The show uses three pianos, so it revolves around keyboards. There’s slow music, funk, jazz and more. There’s a lot going on,” he said.
The two lead actors, senior Delia Vaisey and sophomore Ben Eble, who play plant shop employees Audrey and Seymour, respectively, are both confident that their friendship adds to their on-stage chemistry.
“My favorite part about working on this show is working hard with my Delia,” Eble said. “She is the most talented person I know.”
Vaisey echoed his sentiments.
“I’m excited to take the stage with Ben. I’ve hoped to play opposite him for a long time,” she said.
The show has taken many forms, first performed in 1982 and eventually adapted into a movie, starring Rick Moranis as Seymour and Ellen Greene as Audrey, in 1986.
In addition to the varied musical genres, the script, set in the 1960s, mixes horror, comedy and romance.
“There’s something for everyone,” junior Angel Koshy, who plays the customer, said.
The set required extensive work from the technical theater program, with props adding to the show’s horror themes.
“The costumes and set turn the show into a creepy and dream-like setting that mimics the haze of poverty in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s,” Connell said.
Eble agreed with Connell.
“The set and costumes really engulf you into the atmosphere. This show is very, very pretty and period-appropriate,” he said.
Only 14 cast members make up the entire production.
“Our small cast makes the show very unique,” Eble said. “We are a cute, close-knit bunch.”
