Little Shop of Horrors @ Sterling High School

"Look out! Look out! Look out!" for Sterling High School's captivating and blood-thirsty production of Little Shop of Horrors! This past weekend audiences were transported to Skid Row in a memorable production sure to leave you with one thought in mind: Don't feed the plants!

Little Shop of Horrors, written by Howard Ashman with music by the renowned Alan Menken, has been entertaining audiences with its comic plot and memorable score since its Off-Broadway debut in 1982. The 1986 film adaptation of the same name brought this retro, Motown-inspired comedy to the screen, following awkward florist Seymour as he falls for his sweet but insecure coworker Audrey. The story takes place on rundown Skid Row, where Seymour's struggling flower shop is on the line until the arrival of the mysterious Audrey II.

Sterling's performance was enhanced by its creatively detailed set and thoughtfully placed props. The dynamic choreography created an animated atmosphere that engrossed the audience's attention, and the infectious energy of every cast member was noticeable throughout the show. The stage lighting also did a fantastic job of setting the mood, making the show an even more immersive experience for every audience member.

The protagonist, Seymour Krelborn, portrayed by Max Zubak, had audiences rooting for him from his awkward blunders all the way through his remarkable character development by the show's end. His strong acting choices anchored the chemistry between him and his love interest, Audrey, portrayed by Emily Blanchard. Although their romance took some time to blossom, audiences could see Seymour's love for her in numbers like "Suddenly Seymour" where both leads demonstrated excellent vocals.

Many supporting and ensemble characters captured the audience's attention; however Ms. Mushnik (Luciana Staffieri) provided constant comedic relief in every scene she was featured in. Another outstanding comedic character was Orin (Maurice Buri) who had audiences gassed with laughter in his stellar acting debut! Audrey II (Lucas Rose) also delivered an amazing performance packed with commanding vocals and hilarious line delivery. Rounding out the show's cast was the electrifying Urchin ensemble, with a standout performance from Crystal (Kadence Dira) whose powerhouse vocals made her shine in every scene. Another noteworthy performance was Ms. Luce (Raine Greco) whose solo in "The Meek Shall Inherit" was a true highlight of the number. Additionally, the ensemble as a whole shined vocally and choreographically in numbers such as "Skid Row" and "Be a Dentist" where every move united the entire cast as a cohesive unit.

Sterling's set was not only transformative, but also the effortless set transitions, led by stage manager Brianna Jimenez, made the show feel seamless from start to finish. The lighting, spearheaded by Gracie West, was an incredible mood shifter, progressing from green to red as the darker themes developed. This was most effective in the song "Suppertime" where the deep red lights cast a sinister vibe to perfectly match the blood-thirsty lyrics. Also tying in colors to represent mood, were the evocative costumes by Sophie Haughwout and Allison Knopka, with each piece perfectly suited to each character, right down to the unforgettable "Finale" looks that brought the show's innovative ending to life.

Sterling's Little Shop of Horrors may be "Closed for Renovation," but their intricate set, electrifying ensemble, and unforgettable performance left us "Somewhere That's Green!"