Blue Ridge opens ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

BY STACI WILSON

With distinct turn from Broadway musical classics like “Cinderella,” “Annie” and “The Sound of Music,” the Blue Ridge High School Theatre is bringing the 1980s comedy, sci-fi, horror-spoof “Little Shop of Horrors,” to the stage this weekend.

The musical is by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman.

“It’s a show I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Amy Zakarauskas, high school chorus teacher and director of the musical. “As much as the students love Rodgers & Hammerstein and more traditional shows, they were ready to something more modern and mature.”

Senior Lexi Button said, “I’m excited for everyone to come see it.”

Button appears as ‘Chiffon’ one of the three members of the 1960s Motown inspired doo-wop trio that provide narration and commentary throughout the show. Senior Janelle Oakley appears as ‘Crystal,’ and sophomore Sequoia Marriott as ‘Ronette’ round out the trio.

“This is the best cast show I’ve ever done,” Zakarauskas said.

Hunter Renwick, a sophomore, plays ‘Seymour,’ a down-on-his-luck, hapless plant enthusiast in a failing flower shop on Skid Row. He discovers a “strange and unusual plant” and brings it back to the shop.

Seymour is in love with Audrey (Skylar Secord) who also works at the flower shop and he names the plant after her, “Audrey Two.”

Despite Seymour’s affection, Audrey is in a relationship with a dentist, Dr. Orin Scrivello – the black leather-clad jacket bad guy in the show – played by Spencer Renwick.

“Bad characters are fun to play,” Spencer Renwick said.

Marriott counts the “dentist scenes” as her favorites in the show. “It’s good,” she said.

The plant brings customers to Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists, owned by Mr. Mushnik (Zach Morris) but Audrey Two grows sickly. It’s then Seymour discovers the plant feeds on human blood.

“I didn’t think I would get a part like Seymour,” Renwick said. “It’s a nice change. I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone.”

The plants used in the production were rented from Musical Theatre International, Zakarauskas said. There are four plants, at various stages of growth, all manipulated by puppeteers.

A donation from a community member allowed for the elaborate sets, costumes and the plant rental for the production. “We’re so lucky and thankful for that,” Zakarauskas said.

Familiar songs in the show include, “Downtown (Skid Row),” “Suddenly Seymour,” and “Somewhere That’s Green.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed on Saturday, April 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 24, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at the doors, adults/$7; students and seniors/$5; and $20/family.