Little Shop of Horrors is lots of fun

by Frank Furnari, New Rep Reviewer

Little Shop of Horrors ends New Rep's mainstage season on a fun, campy note and is the most entertaining show of New Rep's season.  Known by many from the 1986 film incarnation, this comedy horror musical tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, an orphan that was taken in as a child by Mr. Mushnik, owner of a floundering flower shop.  Business has been so bad that Mushnik is planning to let go his employees, Seymour and Audrey, but Seymour shows his latest botanical creation, which he calls Audrey II.  This 'strange and interesting plan' draws in lots of business and attention – the only problem is that rather than requiring water and plant food, Audrey II requires blood – human blood, oh and it talks.  Oh, did I mention - it's very funny?  

Director Russell Garrett assembles a superb cast staring with the street urchin trio – Chiffon played by Jennifer Fogarty, Ronnett played by Ceit McCaelb Zweil, and Crystal played by Lovely Hoffman.  Lovely's bio states that she's a contemporary R&B soul artist and it shows – her powerful voice on the opening notes of "Skid Row" set the bar high for the rest of the show.  Not to be outdone, Jennifer and Ceit join in, blend well and have obvious chemistry on stage.  Blake Pfeil is the lovable Seymour and when we first see him on stage I was reminded of Rick Moranis, but Blake make the role his own and makes you fall in love with him – he is perfect in the role.  Susan Molloy’s Audrey shines, especially during Somewhere That’s Green.  Bill Moots (Orin) doesn’t come across as a very mean dentist, but gives a very funny and memorable performance of It’s Just The Gas.   

Peter Colao's set design was a very good use of the space; with two rotating sections, it allowed various locations to be portrayed quickly.  Lots of little touches added to this (properties design by Lauren L. Duffy) and proved fodder for comedy including the flower case and the dentist's gas mask. On opening night there were some minor sound issues – a minor complaint and one got better as the performance went on.   This is one of my favorite shows in this season of Boston theatre - a great production of a funny musical; it’s not to be missed.