Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Giant plant invades Southside Theatre Guild

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

Roger Corman has given the world a slew of z-grade horror films over the years stretching back to the 50s. One movie in particular from 1960 had enough quirkiness and unique character to make it on Broadway as a musical-comedy unlike any other. “Little Shop of Horrors,” the story of a nebbish plant lover who unleashes a man-eating plant on the inhabitants of Skid Row features a surprising number of upbeat and memorable tunes. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who livened Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” took Corman’s twisted tale and made it rock!

Now the Southside Theatre Guild is bringing the big green plant with a taste for blood to Fairburn. Janet Reed, director/choreographer for the production has been lobbying to do the hit musical for 10 years. “It’s one of my favorites.” she said. She gives special credit to her husband, Ted, who has helped out with all aspects of the show. Musical director Jerry Mathis and choreographer Heather May add to the creative effort ensuring that this will be a great night of theater entertainment.

The travails of Seymour and Audrey amidst the decrepit remains of Mushnik’s Florist Shop are well known by anyone who may have seen the film version of the musical starring Rick Moranis which came out in 1986. Several additional numbers are included which are not in the movie and the ending is also completely different. “Suddenly Seymour,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” “feed Me,” and “Skid Row” are just a few of the now-familiar tunes that enliven this horror/comedy.

Adam Schwam plays Seymour and his wife, Dina plays opposite him as Audrey. Oddly enough, the couple’s first date was to see the film of “Little Shop of Horrors.” If life has ever attempted to imitate art, then this is a prime example of the old adage. Along with the Schwams are Bert Lyons as Mushnik, Joey Ellington as Orin Scrivello, Matthew Bailey as the voice of Audrey II and Samuel Knight as the plant’s puppeteer.

Eileen Baldwin, Amber Hof, and Penny Duffey are Crystal, Chiffon and Ronette, the trio of narrators who dance their way through the play adding musical flavor wherever they go. Other cast members include Paula Saje as Mrs. Luce, Jackie Duffey as the Customer, Johnathan Davis as Wino #1 and Nicholas Anderson and April Coyne as the Urchins. Chorus members include Rebecca Kling, Rachel White, Nikeisha Burgeis, and Jackie Duffey.

The plant itself, Audrey II, was borrowed from the University of Utah and comes in four stages, one for each spurt of growth that slowly engulfs the stage and the poor individuals entangled therein.

“Little Shop of Horror” runs Thursdays-Saturdays, Apr. 29-May 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. All Thursday tickets are $10. Tickets go on sale April 15. Phone 770-969-0956 or visit www.stgplays.com.

WHAT: Little Shop of Horrors

WHERE: Southside Theatre Guild

WHEN: Thursdays-Saturdays, Apr. 29-May 22, 8 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Adults $12, Children $10, Thurs. all seats $10

FOR MORE INFO: Phone 770-969-0956 or visit www.stgplays.com