L’view to put on ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer

A psychotic dentist, a man-eating plant, a Greek chorus, and a quirky love story — it’s all part of Lincolnview High School’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, which opens this weekend at the Marsh Foundation Auditorium.

For the students and staff involved in the musical, opening night could undoubtedly be a nerve-wracking experience. Performing in the spotlight in front of a packed auditorium, though, is nothing new for Lincolnview junior Evan Williams, who will be portraying Seymour Krelborn, one of the musical’s lead roles.

Williams is no stranger to the stage, as he’s taken part in Lincolnview’s drama program for three years now. During the audition process, Williams knew he was meant to bring the character of Seymour to life.

“Seymour definitely has more of my personality,” Williams said, adding that he also auditioned for Orin the dentist, as well as the voice of the man-eating plant. “It just seemed like this part fit me the most.”

Act I begins with Seymour, a lonely, poor orphan working in a flower shop for the cranky Mr. Mushnik (Larry Keltner). Just as lonely, and romantically linked to a sadistic dentist, Audrey (Mikinzie Dull) soon finds herself falling for Seymour and a love story quickly blossoms at Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists. After obtaining a mysterious plant that resembles a venus fly trap, Seymour’s popularity quickly rises, and he names the plant Audrey II to honor the woman he loves.

Despite Seymour’s loving care and attention, Audrey II does not thrive and appears to be dying. It’s then that Seymour realizes the plant must have human blood to survive, setting off a chain reaction of murder and mayhem throughout the musical.

Chad Kraner, theater director for the school, said the process of bringing the musical to the community actually begins months in advance. “We actually decided on this show last fall,” Kraner said, adding, “it’s a great show, and it’s funny and has a lot of good music.”

Auditions were held before Christmas break, allowing Kraner and musical director Matt Alessandrini the opportunity to choose their cast and music wisely. “Basically, after the cast was chosen, we started rehearsing three nights a week,” Kraner said. “We took the students to see the show last fall actually, and they really enjoyed it, which was great because we wanted to make sure there was a strong interest in doing the show.”

Choosing the lead role is always a challenge and several students auditioned for the part. Both Kraner and Alessandrini look at a variety of factors in deciding who will take center stage. “Evan just really fit the part during his auditions,” Kraner said.

“There were obviously other students who did very well, but Evan just really fit into the character well, and quite honestly he really does an amazing job,” Kraner added. “All of them have worked very hard and it’s really going to be an entertaining show.”

One of the biggest obstacles in pre-production, Kraner said, was coming up with a plant. “We really didn’t have time to make one,” he said, adding that Audrey II, which will be seen in this weekend’s production, is actually a very large puppet. “It can actually eat people,” Kraner said with a laugh, adding that Audrey II was rented in Dayton.

There are 29 high school students involved in the production, including the actors and the back-stage help. About 13 elementary students are also involved in putting on this weekend’s production. Rounding out the cast is the Greek Chorus, which acts as the back-up singers throughout the musical and consists of Zoey Lippi, Brittany Johnston, Amber Miller, Courtney Gorman and Cassie Hale. Nick Sowers portrays Orin, the sadistic, demented dentist.

The students have been perfecting their lines, and practicing their songs, for three hours daily, as well as some weekend work.

“I also spend time at home practicing, and I’m sure the others do also,” Williams said. “It’s different in preparing for a musical, but this show is definitely one of my favorite shows that we’ve done so far,” he added.

Currently, staff and students are working out any last-minute kinks, but Williams said everyone is ready and anxiously awaiting opening night. “It’s going to be a great show,” he said. “Everyone has worked really hard and we invite everyone in the community to come out for a great night of theater.”

Tickets are available at Lincolnview High School today and tomorrow and cost $5 for adults and students in grades 7 and higher. Elementary students can pick up tickets for $3. Tickets will be available at the door for $7 and $5. Shows will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17 and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Marsh Foundation.