Three Reasons Why You Need to See Little Shop of Horrors
- Angeline Underwood/ Photos by Cana Crosby
- Aug 4, 2015
- 3 min read
I haven’t been to the theatre in a while, but when The Old Town Actors Studio announced their latest production of Little Shop of Horrors, I knew I had to see it. I hate musicals, but I was curious to see how such a small theatre could produce such a large scale show. Long story short, I left the theatre last night with a smile on my face and a new found respect for the OTAS production team So here are my top three reasons why you need to do what I did, and go see this show.
#1 - Tiny Space - Big Production
Let’s face it, OTAS is tiny. The maximum seating capacity is somewhere in the thirties and the stage can’t be more than thirty feet by twenty. And if you don’t know anything about Little Shop of Horrors let me fill you in. It’s about a plant, a GIANT plant... that eats people. So not only did Director Sherri Dienstfrey-Swanson fill this tiny stage with an impressive set, and talented actors, singers and dancers, but she also found space to house a giant man-eating plant. And she did it perfectly.
I won’t tell you any more than that because I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will tell you that when the plant was revealed, the audience erupted in an uncontrollable frenzy. Shark Week style.
#2 - It WILL Impress the Unimpressed
I’m a pretty harsh critic, and being an actress and director only increases the subjectivity I have towards others. And I’m not alone. It’s one of the perils of being in the theatrical world. You are constantly criticizing other peoples work, because you’re an asshole (sorry mom), and think you could do it better.
But Little Shop left me speechless. There was literally nothing to improve upon. The staging was impeccable, the costumes were gorgeous, the acting was impressive, and the props were astounding.
I enjoyed this show immensely, which is really rare for me. I’ll freely admit it, I’m a theatre snob. And this never happens to me, but as soon as it was over, all I could think about was going back. So I made reservations for Friday. I’m telling you…it’s that good.
#3 - The Actors, Musicians, and Puppeteers are Amazing
This isn’t New York or L.A. We don’t have Equity actors beating down the doors at auditions. We have locals, some trained and some not, who do theatre for the enjoyment of theatre. They commit their time and energy FOR FREE. The only payment they receive is the applause we give them at the end of each performance, and last night I watched these actors play to a crowd of 30 as though they were playing to a packed house on Broadway.
They gave 110%. They were committed to their parts, energetic and engaging, and so giving to one another. The musicians, who sat behind the curtain, far away from the attention of the audience also gave their all, supporting their fellow actors with flawless accompaniment. And the puppeteers were marvelous. Audrey II truly came to life onstage and helped me to remember why I love theater and just how magical and enchanting it can really be.
I was blown away by the level of talent featured in this show, and everyone from the leads to the extras contributed to a production that was more than worthy of last night’s standing ovation. Bravo cast, Bravo!
Little Shop of Horrors runs August 6th, 7th and 8th at the Old Town Actors Studio and travels to The Stephen’s Performing Arts Center Black Box Theatre at the end of August 2015. If you are interested in purchasing tickets or receiving information on upcoming productions please check the OTAS Facebook page or call 478-6886.
Thank you for supporting your local community theatre scene. Your continued support helps to make these magical productions a reality.
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