(Pics supplied)
(Joshua Wareham as Seymour, Emily Blake as Mrs Mushnik with the cast of Skid Row Kids)
27 years ago, Northcliff High, Johannesburg, undertook what was an insane and daring venture and toured their whole musical production, lock, stock and barrel from Johannesburg down to the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban.
Now, in the 25th year of touring – remember two years of Covid – after a splendid run of the production in Johannesburg, Northcliff High brings to Durban, the full-of-fun, B-Grade horror spoof, Little Shop Of Horrors. It is splendidly cast and the performances from the young actors never fail to impress. A trip into the city to enjoy this fun offering, will be well worth it. This is simply great entertainment!
This will be the 41st production for Northcliff High and 25th to tour to the Playhouse, from acclaimed producer/director Nick Jourdan, who has been responsible for bringing The Adams Family, Spamalot, Sister Act and the highly popular previous offerings, Pirates of Penzance, Crazy for You, Anything Goes, High School Musical, Footloose, Me and My Girl and Matilda The Musical to the Playhouse Theatre, to name some.
The humour in Little Shop Of Horrors is somewhat dark, definitely tongue-in-cheek but also, ridiculous and funny. The story follows the climb to success of a nerdish, down-and-out florist assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who discovers a “strange and interesting” new plant species. This, he also discovers, has a desire for blood and, as it grows bigger and bigger, for eating people. The ridiculous plot involves all the principal characters falling prey to the plant’s awful appetite, putting the plant on a fearful trajectory of achieving world domination! There are laughs aplenty and the delightful score is by Alan Menken, of many Disney musicals fame.
(Right: Adriana Sevell as
Audrey and Joshua Wareham as Seymour)
This year’s cast is smaller than in past shows but this works well in this smaller scale musical and some newcomers really come into their stride with performances that, again, will have audiences amazed.
Joshua Wareham, who has been in a number of these Northcliff productions, is now featured as the lead character, Seymour. He might be remembered from last year, as Michael, the somewhat dim brother of Matilda – “backwards!” may ring a bell for some who saw last year’s Matilda The Musical.
Happily, Adriana Sevell, who last year, played Matilda, this year has the role of Seymour’s love interest, Audrey, in which she, once again, is astounding.
Mrs Mushnik, the owner of the florist shop on Skid Row (the character has been changed from “Mr” due to a shortage of boys) is played by Emily Blake, in her first major lead role. She captures the essence and fun of the character with aplomb. Complete newcomer, Kieran Lalloo, stands out as the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello, with a performance in a highly demanding role, that is quite remarkable.
The ensemble has an energy that invigorates the proceedings and the singing is top notch!
Again, there is a live orchestra of nine skilled professional musicians, led by accomplished musical director, Matthew Vlok, previously from Durban. The music is described as “out of this world”!
Likely and potential theatregoers should not miss the opportunity to see this fun musical performed by an outstanding cast. Live theatre such as this is not often on offer and it should be supported and enjoyed when it happens along.
Performances are from July 2 to 6 with evening performances at 19h30 and matinees on the Saturday at 14h00 and Sunday at 15h00. Tickets throughout R100 (R80 for seniors).
Booking for all shows is through Webtickets
Opening Night Special! Tickets half price at R50 on Wednesday July 2 at 19h30.
At the Playhouse there are bar facilities and a coffee shop.
There is secure parking available at the Royal Hotel Parking Garage with security marshals along the street from the Royal to the Playhouse Theatre.
Parking is at a reduced rate when getting your parking ticket validated in the theatre foyer.
For so many years, Northcliff High Johannesburg has trundled a busload of youngsters into the city centre to perform their hearts out in what many will vouch, is top notch entertainment.