[NEohioPAL] Review of "Little Shop of Horrors" at Beck Center

[Bob Abelman]

Campy 'Little Shop' is open for some funny business

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review appeared in the News-Herald 7/03/09

 

With flesh-eating demons occupying its smaller stage and a flesh-eating plant holding court on its main stage, Beck Center for the Arts stands to lose its contingent of sci-fi-despising, vegetarian patrons.

 

It needn't worry.  The gory Evil Dead proved to be a huge success among the rest of the theatre-going community and the fun-filled Little Shop of Horrors, which opened last weekend, will likely be the same. 

 

A 1960s film turned Broadway musical, Little Shop of Horrors tells the tale of a loser Skid Row flower shop clerk named Seymour, who discovers a mysterious plant that transforms his life in exchange for the lives of his acquaintances.  All this is done stamen-in-pistil, uh, tongue-in-cheek, with clever lyrics by Howard Ashman and melodic, often memorable music by Alan Menken.

 

Director Bill Roudebush shamelessly layers on the campiness with a trowel.  By employing overly dramatic lighting to accentuate emotions, inserting musical accompaniment to support comedic double-takes, and having his players constantly playing toward the audience rather than each other, the show frequently borders on burlesque.

    

Fortunately it all works, thanks in no small part to the material itself and a very talented featured cast.  They sell Roudebush's shtick and choreographer Michael Medcalf's fun, albeit fundamental, footwork as if it were prime beachfront property.  

Tim Allen is the consummate Seymour.  A lanky tenor who is all flailing elbows, wrists and knees, Allen effortlessly carries this show on his narrow shoulders.  He is interesting to watch, is a pleasure to listen to, and is an endearing presence from start to finish. 

Seymour's blond bombshell colleague and love interest, Audrey-she of thigh-high skirts and towering high heels-is a walking, talking sight gag.  Although a teaspoon short on the sweetness this character requires, Meg Maley handles the role with wonderful comic timing and has a voice so rich and pure-best showcased in Act II's "Suddenly Seymour" number-that it sends shivers up your spine.  

Connor O'Brien, as the self-absorbed, demented dentist-boyfriend of Audrey's, is hilarious. His over-the-top portrayal brings energy to an already high-octane production.  Leslie Feagan, as Seymour's boss, Mr. Mushnik, is also a delight.  It is not easy being a senior citizen sidekick, but Feagan hits all his marks with professional precision.   

Setting the tone for this play and delivering its most complicated R&B harmonies are Katrice Monee Headd, Tonya Broach and Taresa Willingham.  They are terrific as the Greek chorus of street urchins.   Each performer establishes a distinctive personality, but they still blend together to form a seamless, coordinated narrative voice.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable show, but it is not without distractions.

Although Darryl Lewis is superbly expressive as the plant's booming baritone, he is out of sync with the less dexterous on-stage plant puppet.  Sure, this show is a send-off of a sci-fi film genre renowned for inferior special effects.   In the context of a professional theatrical production, however, the plant seems a tad store-bought.  Also out of sync are some members of the supporting cast, who sound great but occasionally stumble over that fine line between campy and corny.   

Set designer Don McBride's center-stage flower shop and the stylized Skid Row that surrounds it nicely embrace Roudebush's vision.  Unfortunately, some of the shoddiness found in the construction of this piece of urban blight appears to be actual rather than artifice. 

Evil Dead has enjoyed an extended run at the Beck Center for the Arts.  Little Shop of Horrors, which taps a related funny bone, should attract and appease the same audience.  Sci-fi-despising vegetarians will have to find comfort elsewhere for a while, perhaps in the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival's upcoming production of Much Tofu About Nothing. 

 

Little Shop of Horrors runs through August 2 at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood.    For tickets, which range from $17-$28, call 216-521-2540 x 10 or visit www.beckcenter.org.


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