It's "Suppertime!" Delsea Regional High School's production of Little Shop of Horrors takes the audience's breath away, along with their appetite for meat.
Originating off-Broadway in 1982, Little Shop of Horrors gained its fame from the 1986 movie of the same name, resulting in its eventual 2003 Broadway run. With the lyrics and book by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors is a bizarre, dark comedy about a killer plant with an appetite for humans. When Seymour, a florist shop employee buys this plant, he must decide exactly how far he is willing to go to reach his dreams.
The cast created a moving, yet hilarious production, which was immensely amplified by the stunningly creative sets and collaboration of the crew.
Vincent Crocilla, playing Seymour, gave the audience a classical interpretation of his character, while also bringing his own unique touch to the role. His comedic timing hit the mark in every scene, sending the audience into frequent bouts of laughter. He also succeeded in expressing the anguish and conflict that characterize Seymour in Act 2, while still staying true to Seymour's nerdy, yet endearing personality. Crocilla's chemistry with Mr. Mushnik, Audrey 2, and Audrey transported the audience directly to Skid Row. Lola Gaudio, playing Audrey, leaned into the perceived tackiness of Audrey's character, while still providing the intense emotional depth necessary to play a victim of abuse. Her tasteful depiction of the inner parts of Audrey, which are typically glossed over, shone incredibly on stage.
Jordyn Rosenberg (Chiffon), Leila Parker (Crystal), Jelena Mitchell (Ronnette), and Julia Dennis (Shirelle) filled the production with laughter due to their enchanting storytelling abilities as The Girls. Their facial expressions and vocals gave life to the purposely depressing setting of Skid Row. Andi Dennis, playing Mr. Mushnik, displayed complexity in the grumpy old man, with his change in attitude towards Seymour in "Mushnik and Son." Despite the sour disposition of Mushnik, Dennis successfully landed all of the intended humor associated with his character. Lamar Bronson, playing Orin, expertly exhibited the insanity of his character.
The technical aspects of this production truly amazed the audience, beginning with the intricate set onstage. The display of the inside and outside of Mushnik's flower shop contributed heavily to the realistic and captivating tone of the show, while not overpowering the story on stage. Audrey 2 is a gigantic prop, set piece, and costume, which the puppeteers excelled at moving in a way which expressed the emotion and hunger of the carnivorous plant.
Viewers of this production can certainly agree on one thing: if a singing, flesh-eating, alien plant ever asks you for food, DO NOT FEED IT!