WBHS’s
production of the show is absolutely out of the top drawer. (Review by Keith
Millar)
The
Westville Boys High School’s Drama Department has once again nailed it. This
time with their vibrant production of the hit horror comedy rock musical from
the 1980’s, Little Shop of Horrors.
Under
the direction of the inimitable Luke Holder, Director of Cultural Affairs at
the school, the cast deliver a performance that fizzles with energy, enthusiasm
and ebullience.
While on
the subject of the cast - it must be mentioned that to allow for an increased
number of learners to be involved, Holder has double-cast the production, with
the two groups alternating each night. This in itself is some achievement.
Almost like staging two productions at the same time.
Holder
says that there is in no way that this is a 1st team and 2nd
team situation, but that both groups are equally competent. Well, while the
cast we saw last night was the younger of the two, the alternative will have to
pull up their socks to match the royal entertainment that we were treated to.
Little Shop of Horrors is the story of Seymour, a somewhat
nerdy assistant in a florist shop in the down and out area of Skid Row. He
discovers a rather bizarre carnivorous plant which he believes may provide a
boost to the failing business and attract more customers. He names the plant
Audrey ll after his colleague who he has a massive crush on.
He feeds
the plant his own blood and it grows to a massive size which attracts fame and
fortune to the store and to Seymour himself.
However,
the plant becomes ever more demanding until Seymour realises he must take drastic
steps to put an end to its gory needs.
Luke
Holder takes on the responsibility of not only directing the production but
also serving as its Musical Director and Designer. He is on stage for the
duration of the show playing piano in the very good nine-piece band which
provides an excellent musical backing for the production.
He has,
as usual, surrounded himself with a very professional technical team which
includes choreographer Fiona Barnes, technical director, Megan Levy and costume
design by Tracy Campbell.
The
magnificent Plant Puppets come from KickstArt Productions and were designed and
manufactured by Greg King. It is good to see this world-class production
company making their expertise available to school productions.
With the
double-casting situation, it is perhaps a bit unfair to single out individual
performances for praise while a whole alternative cast doesn’t get a look in.
However, there were a few performances which cannot go by without mention.
The
stand-out for me was Murray Clark as the evil motor bike riding dentist. What a
wonderful performer this young man has been for WBHS over the years. He has all
the moves and in this role oozes slimy charm and malevolence. A very mature and
accomplished performance.
The two
leads, Cameron Parle as Seymour, and Keryn Parker as Audrey (the girlfriend,
not the plant), put in charming and animated performances and have very
pleasing singing voices.
Pierre
Parrott as Mushnik, the owner of the plant store (in both casts), as usual put
in a strong and convincing performance and made the most of his part.
The
Ronnetes, a sort of Greek Chorus, who narrate much of the story in song and
dance, and in this production, are considerably increased in number - again to
allow for the involvement of more pupils, were full of colourful and energetic
exuberance. A good effort by all of them.
I still
have not mentioned the three Winos, or the puppeteers or the wonderful voice of
Audrey ll (Daanyaal Ally). Suffice it to say that they were all wonderful. In
fact, there was not a poor performance to be seen on the night.
Little Shop of Horrors is a very enjoyable, rather
black comedy musical. WBHS’s production of the show is absolutely out of the
top drawer. It runs in the Roy Cousins Theatre at the school until May 21. As I
have said before WBHS are setting the standard for school productions. Don’t
miss it!
For more
information, or to book, email tickets@wbhs.co.za - Keith Millar
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