HCT Summer Youth Theater took on a whole new challenge this year. A hand picked group of 'advanced teens' were given the mission of casting, rehearsing, performing and striking a full production (as opposed to the abbreviated 'Jr' version) of Ashman/Menkens "Little Shop of Horrors".
The group , from 'seasoned vets' to 'newcomers' pulled off the full mission in just six weeks.
I had seen neither the 1986 movie nor a live production of the popular musical before, and went in knowing only that it was about a plant and a dentist.
Performed in the cozy west end of Hartford CT, just behind the historic Victorian is the Carriage House Theater, the audience gathered to watch the show . My expectation? Pretty high, under the coordination of the amazing Lisa Foss, educational director of HCT and director Summar Elquindy, perfection is not a too lofty thought.
A scaled down and unfussy set designed by Nick D'Angelo, was simple enough to convey location without overpowering the small stage. Stage managed by Shelby Demke, choreography by Maggie Lipton the show was off and running in no time.
The musical is based on Roger Corman's 1960's horror fest pf the same name. Written by Alan Mencken and Howard Ashman (of "Beauty And The Beast" fame among us), it tells the story of lonely nebbish florist assistant Seymore, whose love for Audrey comes to fruitation when he starts killing people to feed a blood loving plant! Based somewhere in the 1960's the songs are a fun pastiche of pre-British Invasion pop: girl group,doo wop, funk and more!
A hefty task for a bunch of teens, but the show took off immeditaely both nights with the bang of "Little Shop of Horrors" performed by the sparkling Skidettes, the 'sassy' girls of Skid Row. They act as your musical ushers into a story of love and the lengths gone to to achieve it. Our own Mary Magpie in the role of Chiffon pulled off more eye rolls and head rolls than I care to see in a lifetime, and for a mild mannered 14 year old in vivilian life, I know that was pure acting, well at least I hope so. Tracie Kunzika, Lauren Popillo and Mary interacted as only good girls gone bad can.
The Skidettes performance of the song "Da Doo", was perfection. Sara Pasternack, Maddy Gassman, and Julia Rivera owned that scene, It was the perfect timing of their entrance that made this song one of the most memorable.
The was perfectly cast with Jessie Pomeroy as Audrey, who at times reminded me of a young Drew Barrymore, belting out a tune like no ones business. Simply said, Jessie is a fantastic singer. The multi talented Nick Serrembana as Seymour, was able to pull off the awkward character with believability. Well, as much as possible when the show is about a blood thirsty plant. An adorable pair convincing and oozing with charisma. Milo Stein as the infamous dentist rounded out the love triangle and became the first human meal for Audrey Two, the perpetually hungry plant. Audrey 2 in its many sizes was manipulated and voiced and manipulatated by Nick Osley and Madison Rowe. It is rare that puppeteering can be so incredibly believable. These two gave that plant its well earned 'swag'.
The roll of Mr. Mushnik, Seymours 'father' and florist owner was taken on by Justine Collins. Dressed in a costume that was somewhere between Gabe Kaplan' Mr Kotter and Elmo's friend Mr Noodles, she was convincing, engaging and simply said hilarious.
Rounding out the cast in the invincible role of God and The Wino was the ultra hip Isaac Field (who also amazingly student directed), and the adorable Danielle Meisler performing so many rolls its a wonder she kept them straight! A beautiful job and impeccable timing.
So what's bad? Well there were periods when the sound level fluctuated and made it difficult to hear the actors but other than that I would claim these as two flawless performances. A tremendous success by an amazing staff and cast.
The Hartford Children's Theatre is supported by the Greater Hartford Arts Council, The Hartford Foundation, Kinetic Media, The Connecticut Commission of Culture and Tourism and pitagroup.