August 23-September 9, 2017
at Gateway Playhouse
Dan's Papers
Genevieve Horsburgh
In a season full of fan favorites like Rent and Mamma Mia, Gateway saved the best for last with its season closer, Little Shop of Horrors. With music and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors is a nonsensical musical comedy that is as entertaining as it is ludicrous. For fans who have only seen the 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis as Seymour, the musical adaptation is must-see, especially with the cast that Gateway has assembled.
It’s an invasion of the earth and the end of mankind as we know it. And it all starts in Mr. Mushniks’s (Ray DeMattis) run-down florist shop on Skid Row, a slum in New York, where the shop boy, Seymour, discovers a species of plant yet unknown to man. He names it Audrey II after his co-worker, the lovely-yet-tacky Audrey. To his horror, Seymour realizes the dark secret that will keep Audrey II alive—blood. Not just any blood, fresh human blood. Cue the screams.
Our budding botanist Seymour is played by Gateway Alum Jeremy Greenbaum, who brings his character to life so well you’ll think “Rick Moranis who?” Greenbaum has a set of pipes Moranis could only wish for. As Seymour implores Audrey II to “Grow for Me” Greenbaum belts out his lyrics, winning over the audience with a solid, heartfelt performance.
Speaking of winning over the audience, the songbirds of the Urchin trio—Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette—played by Jerusha Cavazos, Courtney Daniels and Moeisha McGill, are captivating and hysterical and keep the audience roaring with laughter. The opening numbers “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Skid Row” are clear fan favorites, and seeing it live on stage is nothing short of thrilling. The small cast is talented, never missing a beat. “Skid Row” is, hands down, one of my favorite numbers of all time—the gripping music keeps you laser-focused on the events unfolding.
Crystal Kellogg takes on the role of Audrey, the love of Seymour’s life. Audrey is naïve and meek, with an abusive boyfriend and the self-confidence of a mouse. She’s obviously got a thing for the geeky-but-loveable Seymour, and pours her heart out in her solo “Somewhere That’s Green.” She does Audrey’s signature nasally, lispy speech hilariously well, and when she sings the transformation is spellbinding.
Seymour believes Audrey is too good for him, but when he sees the way her boyfriend Orin treats her, he is filled with fury—which is the perfect time for the “hangry” Audrey II to implore Seymour to “Git It.” And by get it, Audrey II wants Seymour to kill Orin and feed him the body. Yuck! Although Seymour has deep reservations, his sudden fame and fortune has brought him closer to Audrey and he dares not deny the plant its demands.
As the story unfolds we realize that Audrey II is only getting bigger and hungrier, and Seymour is more at a loss of what to do as he battles his conscience. It’s truly amazing how the production team at Gateway brought Audrey II to life (although the giant human eating plant is a bit disturbing, it makes the show that much better). The plant is operated by a puppeteer, Jon Hoche, and vocalized by Trent Armand Kendall. The chant “feed me Seymour!” is as creepy and catchy as they come. The bigger Audrey II gets, the more Seymour realizes the horrible mistake he has made. Inevitably, he pays the ultimate sacrifice.
The moral of this dark and delightful story? Don’t feed the plants!
Broadway World
Melissa Giordano
The Gateway Playhouse closes out an amazing and busy Summer season with a superb production of the musical Little Shop Of Horrors. This incarnation runs at the Bellport venue through September 9th boasting an outstanding Broadway caliber cast. Based on the classic 1960 film, book writer Howard Ashman pens - and writes the lyrics for - the theatre staple's heartfelt story. And Alan Menken's music is a fun fusion of 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and Motown. You'll more than likely be familiar with the score's popular tunes including the title song and "Suddenly, Seymour".
In the tale, we follow lovable florist shop worker Seymour as he raises a new plant breed to boost his employer's - Mr. Mushnik portrayed by Ray DeMattis - struggling business located on run-down Skid Row. Gateway vet Jeremy Greenbaum strongly portrays the shy and well-meaning Seymour. An adorkable aura and terrific voice make him a natural for the role. Indeed a favorite is Mr. Greenbaum's rendition of "Grow For Me".
Seymour falls for co-worker Audrey - even naming the new plant Audrey II after her - wonderfully portrayed by Crystal Kellogg. You begin to feel for Audrey because she is sweet, but she has this mentality that she doesn't deserve nice things or a great guy like Seymour. Ms. Kellogg balances her comedic delivery and emotional performances well and the enthusiastic audience responds resoundingly.
Highlights also include Courtney Daniels, Moeisha McGill, and Jerusha Cavazos who deliver absolutely stunning performances as The Urchins; Ms. Daniels portraying Crystal, Ms. McGill portraying Ronnette, and Ms. Cavazos portraying Chiffon. They appear throughout the show to give a running commentary, addressing the audience at some points, and are also part of the story. They are smart, sassy, and their voices blend so beautifully together.
Special kudos also to John Rochette who is absolutely hilarious as Orin - the sadistic dentist - and also portrays several other characters. Additionally, the venus flytrap type of plant that Seymour creates comes to life operated by John Hoche with Trent Armand Kendall providing the booming voice. Yes, the plant talks (and sings, for that matter!).
As for the clever creative team, Brittany Loesch's set is very well done obviously having the aging florist shop and a constantly growing Audrey II the centerpiece of the set. This is enhanced stunningly by Doug Harry's top-notch lighting and Robert McGarrity's stirring sound design.
And so, the Gateway's Little Shop Of Horrors is a great way to end this quick Summer we've had. A brilliant cast and endearing story make for a fun night of theatre.
Long Island Advance
Tara Smith
Word on Skid Row is that “Little Shop of Horrors” was one of the most highly requested shows at the Gateway. It’s easy to see why; the much-anticipated musical comedy delivers, tongue firmly in cheek for the entire two and a half hours.
At its heart, “Little Shop of Horrors” is a cautionary tale recounting events of a “decade not too long before our own.” Seymour (Jeremy Greenbaum) is a brainiac botanist working at the failing Mushnik’s Flower Shop. Until a total eclipse of the sun, when a carnivorous plant appears and changes everything. Mr. Mushnik (Ray DeMattis) is ready to close up shop for good until florist Audrey (Crystal Kellogg) suggests displaying the “strange and interesting plant” in the window.
Business booms as the plant – Audrey II – flourishes, thirsty for human blood. As Audrey II (Jon Hoche, Trent Armand Kendall) grows, so does its insatiable need for blood. Starting with Audrey’s abusive dentist boyfriend, Orin (John Rochette), the cast of characters diminishes as the story unfolds. “Little Shop” is chock full of both cheeky and gruesome moments narrated by a trio of street urchins (Courtney Daniels, Moeisha McGill, Jerusha Cavazos).
As Seymour, Greenbaum embodies the nerdiness of the character originated by Rick Moranis in the 1986 film. Greenbaum shows his stuff as he belts “Grow for Me,” pleading with his slow-to-grow plant before pricking his finger and discovering what Audrey II really wants – blood. His performance is sincere, winning over the audience despite becoming a murderer.
In her Gateway debut, Crystal Kellogg takes on the role of Audrey. Easy to judge as a hot-mess, Kellogg nails the character’s nasally rasp and hilarity. She shines in “Somewhere That’s Green,” letting the audience in on her secret crush on Seymour. Alongside Greenbaum, “Suddenly Seymour” is a touching duet, highlighting the melodrama playing on top of the main action.
It’s tough to match Steve Martin’s iconic role as Orin Scrivello, DDS, but Rochette brings formidable passion to the role – and several others including a TV producer and agent. Rochette is a hoot, playing to the audience in “Be a Dentist.” As Mr. Mushnik, DeMattis brings the right amount of grump into the role.
We never see him, but Trent Armand Kendall is the booming voice of Audrey II. When the plant speaks for the first time – commanding Seymour to “Feed Me” – the whole room goes silent. His soulful riffs take center stage – quite literally as Audrey II grows, thanks to quick control by Jon Hoche.
Daniels, McGill and Cavazos captivate the audience as the eyes and ears of the show. The Greek chorus kicks the show into high gear with beautiful three-part doo-wop harmonies, drawing well-deserved applause after every number.
The cast breathes life into Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s well-loved, fun score, with help from music director Andrew Haile Austin. Lighting designed by Doug Harry helps build the action, creating a sense of urgency as the story takes one strange turn after another.
It’s hard not to love a show that features a giant blood hungry plant on stage, a parable about greed that plays on your fears and emotions yet still feels remarkably sweet. The action even continues outside, with exotic and carnivorous plants for sale by Long Island’s Seemore Carnivorous Gardens. Just heed their advice: Don’t Feed the Plants.
