Laughs, romance and gore in Little Shop of Horrors

THERE’S no doubting that the star of Saltpillar Theatre’s musical Little Shop of Horrors is the flower puppet that starts out as a small exotic shrub and morphs into a sprawling meat-eating plant that dominates the stage.

The plant is brought to life by puppeteer Joel Schyer and Harry Graeve’s voice, and they do a fine job in the production being staged at the Phoenix Theatre, Elwood until August 11.

Little Shop of Horrors premiered on London’s West End in 1983 after opening off-Broadway the previous year, and finally opened on Broadway in 2003. Talented Jewish composer Alan Menken created the music while another Jew, Howard Ashman, was responsible for the lyrics and book.

The result is a musical with a lively 1960s rock and Motown sound and hits including Skid Row, Somewhere That’s Green and Suddenly, Seymour.

The action takes place in Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists where meek assistant Seymour Krelborn (played by Jasper Sherman) names the exotic plant Audrey II after fellow worker Audrey (Coco Martel) whom he has a crush on.

However, Audrey is in a relationship with a violent bikie and is at first oblivious to Seymour’s attention.

Florist owner Mr Mushnik is played by Joshua Balbin, who has an impressive stage presence. There are shades of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof in Balbin’s portrayal, which may be inspired by his starring role in last year’s MLOC production of the classic musical.

It’s not long before Audrey II attracts widespread attention, resulting in booming business at the shop and making Seymour a celebrity.

Remi Schauder plays sadistic dentist Orin with enthusiasm in a plum role that sees him get his just desserts.

Sassy street girls Crystal (Georgia Harrison), Ronette (Eliana Morris) and Chiffon (Noa Haskin) are important in linking the scenes in Little Shop of Horrors in a Greek chorus style.

While I found the sets a little too minimal, Little Shop of Horrors is an entertaining musical comedy with toe-tapping numbers presented by musical director Matan Franco and his four-piece band.

Little Shop of Horrors is at the Phoenix Theatre, Elwood until August 11. Bookings: saltpillar.org.au