By: Alexander Rozanski, Overbrook High School, Pine Hill
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — Audiences were ready to “leaf” their worries behind and blossom into laughter because something eerie was sprouting at Skid Row’s beloved florist! Hold onto your potting soil because Rancocas Valley High School‘s Little Shop of Horrors production took root this April 19-21! Get ready to be petal-deep in laughs and gasps as this botanical beast comes to life on stage.
Little Shop of Horrors, a Broadway hit spawned from a low-budget film, tells the tale of Seymour, an orphan taken in by Mr. Mushnick, the owner of a flower shop. During a solar eclipse, Seymour discovers a flesh-eating plant named Audrey II, which boosts the shop’s business but leaves a trail of bodies on Skid Row. With a retro 60’s vibe, the show, based on the film, features lyrics from a book by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. It debuted off-Broadway in 1982, enjoying a five-year run before its triumphant return to Broadway in 2003.
Rancocas Valley’s production was a student-led triumph from start to finish. From crafting costumes and managing technical elements to choreographing scenes and handling hair and makeup, Red Devil Dramatics was able to pull off such a large performance with the dedication and talent of their students.
Arianna Alvarez brought depth and nuance to her portrayal of Audrey, capturing the character’s sweetness and struggles with authenticity. Intricate character choices marked her performance. Alvarez’s rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green” was particularly moving, evoking genuine emotion. Paris Ford’s portrayal of Audrey II was equally captivating, commanding the stage confidently and delivering powerful vocal performances, especially in songs like “Git It.” Her jazzy style and attitude added vibrant energy to the production, making Audrey II an unforgettable presence on stage.
The expanded Urchin trio, skillfully brought to life by a talented ensemble, added depth and dimension to the show. Gabriela Quevedo’s portrayal of Crystal stood out for her expressive facial expressions, perfectly capturing her character’s sass. Chloe Swanson as a featured dancer and ensemble member’s performance of “Skid Row (Downtown)” was a highlight, seamlessly integrating storytelling through movement.
Rancocas Valley High School’s meticulous attention to technical elements further elevated the storytelling. Student-crafted costumes effectively established the period, while innovative stage elements, such as smooth scene transitions and creative use of space, added depth to the production. The detailed set design contributed to the immersive world of Little Shop of Horrors, enriching the audience’s experience.
Rancocas Valley’s performance transported everyone to a place “Somewhere That’s Green,” leaving us enchanted and entertained by their rendition of Little Shop of Horrors.
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