The Academy Theatre adds a twist to the charming Howard Ashman/Alan Menken musical.
By: Matt Smith
Little Shop of Horrors, the venerable 1982 off-Broadway hit based on the 1960 Roger Corman cult film, is a perfect fit for the cabaret-sized Academy Theatre in Bordentown. In fact, a 2003 Broadway revival of the Howard Ashman/Alan Menken musical suffered on a bigger stage.
The current Academy production preserves much of the show’s charms, adds a twist of its own, and delivers a workmanlike take on the familiar story about a Venus flytrap bent on world conquest.
First, for the twist: Most of the countless Little Shop productions use a rented mechanized version of the blood-sucking plant Audrey II; here, director Jessica Sentak and company have built their own model. Jaimie L. McMillin physically inhabits Audrey II and offers an imposingly creepy turn.
Bryan Lesnick is appropriately nerdy and unsure of himself as the protagonist Seymour Krelbourn, the disheveled assistant to Mr. Mushnik, the owner of the Skid Row Florist Shop. Bre Cade is even better as the sweet Audrey, Seymour’s fellow employee and love interest. The pair deliver on the second-act chestnut, "Suddenly, Seymour."
Anthony D’Amato seems to be having the most fun as the gruff Mr. Mushnik, who warms up to his young charge when the Audrey II phenomenon starts bringing in the cash. Kendra Hill, Kaylan Wetzel and Ingrid Perez belt with the best of them as a trio of Greek chorus girls. Bryan S. Clark works hard in about a half-dozen roles, including the sadistic Orin Scrivello, DDS.
At times, the actors struggle to be heard because of backs turned from the audience, sound system hiccups or, in one instance, a mask over Mr. Clark’s face in the Act I closer "Now (It’s Just the Gas)." Also, a handful of modern references (e-mail, etc.) distract from the show’s 1950s motif and jokes (a Levittown reference got the biggest laugh on opening night).
A four-piece band featuring Louis F. Goldberg (piano), John Lindner (bass), Steve Schaffer (guitar) and Dennis Walter (drums) hits the right notes. Judging by audience response at the Academy, so too does Little Shop of Horrors, even after all these years.
Little Shop of Horrors continues at the Academy Theatre, 146 Route 30, Bordentown, through Dec. 17. Performances: Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25, $20 advance. For information, call (609) 291-9000. On the Web: www.theacademytheatre.com

