Little Shop of Horrors Blossoms at Wright College
Maryam Elfeki
Issue date: 3/1/09 Section: Arts & Culture
Stage Wright blossoms in March with the revival of the 1960 musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors. The 1960 film, written by Howard Ashman, was remade into a musical play in 1983, which starred Rick Moranis. From Mar. 18 - Mar. 29, Stage Wright will present its own rendition of Little Shop Of Horrors while bringing a colorful and carnivorous cast to life.
"It tells the story of a rundown flower shop in the middle of skid row and what happens to the people who work there when a plant from outer space takes control of them all," Director Melissa Albertario said. Flower shop employees include underclass floral assistant Seymour (Wright College student Michael Golas), who is furtively in love with co-worker Audrey (Wright student Sara Santoria). "Audrey dates a dentist, Orin, who treats her like a jerk," Wright student Marcos Alzati, who plays the dentist, said.
Seymour discovers a Venus flytrap plant that will change the course of the play and names it Audrey II, in honor of his secret love. Wright student Kenneth Cook voices Audrey II while fellow Wright student Crystal Lankford pulls the strings of the ravenous puppet. Flower shop owner Mr. Mushnik (Wright student Nick D' Ettorre) cons Seymour, who has always longed for a family, by offering to adopt him and thus takes advantage of Audrey II. Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon, (Wright students Danielle Eureste, Dawn Granadon and Dana Buetow), take on the role of the melodic narrators as they comment and croon throughout the show.
"I love the music. Personally, I think the music, directed by Paul Skovaun, is the best part. But I also enjoyed working with student actors," Albertario said. "It reminds me of 1950's sci-fi beam movies; movies that were made for lower budget." Little Shop Of Horrors stars 13 actors, along with the stage manager and staff.
Wright students Eureste and Buetow are committed to the show, with rehearsals that feel as if they go "23 or even 24 hours a day." These performers have time to study and mostly are enrolled in other classes."That many," Albertario answered as she pointed at all the chairs in the Theater, when asked how many people she is expecting to attend. Stage Wright has also produced more than fifteen other shows since spring 2000. Each show was an enriching experience for both student actors and directors. "Come see the show, expect a great night of entertainment and support our students!," Ms. Albertario added, excited for opening night.
The show officially opens on Mar. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and staff, $5 for students and $3 for the previews on March 18 and 19. Tickets are available at the box office in the Events building first floor at the Wright College campus.
"It tells the story of a rundown flower shop in the middle of skid row and what happens to the people who work there when a plant from outer space takes control of them all," Director Melissa Albertario said. Flower shop employees include underclass floral assistant Seymour (Wright College student Michael Golas), who is furtively in love with co-worker Audrey (Wright student Sara Santoria). "Audrey dates a dentist, Orin, who treats her like a jerk," Wright student Marcos Alzati, who plays the dentist, said.
Seymour discovers a Venus flytrap plant that will change the course of the play and names it Audrey II, in honor of his secret love. Wright student Kenneth Cook voices Audrey II while fellow Wright student Crystal Lankford pulls the strings of the ravenous puppet. Flower shop owner Mr. Mushnik (Wright student Nick D' Ettorre) cons Seymour, who has always longed for a family, by offering to adopt him and thus takes advantage of Audrey II. Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon, (Wright students Danielle Eureste, Dawn Granadon and Dana Buetow), take on the role of the melodic narrators as they comment and croon throughout the show.
"I love the music. Personally, I think the music, directed by Paul Skovaun, is the best part. But I also enjoyed working with student actors," Albertario said. "It reminds me of 1950's sci-fi beam movies; movies that were made for lower budget." Little Shop Of Horrors stars 13 actors, along with the stage manager and staff.
Wright students Eureste and Buetow are committed to the show, with rehearsals that feel as if they go "23 or even 24 hours a day." These performers have time to study and mostly are enrolled in other classes."That many," Albertario answered as she pointed at all the chairs in the Theater, when asked how many people she is expecting to attend. Stage Wright has also produced more than fifteen other shows since spring 2000. Each show was an enriching experience for both student actors and directors. "Come see the show, expect a great night of entertainment and support our students!," Ms. Albertario added, excited for opening night.
The show officially opens on Mar. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and staff, $5 for students and $3 for the previews on March 18 and 19. Tickets are available at the box office in the Events building first floor at the Wright College campus.
Be the first to comment on this story