Audrey II says, "Feed me, Seymore!"
Bloodthirsty puppet reigns with delightful terror in Little Shop of Horrors and the 'Nique talks with the man behind the plant
By Bruce Bennett/ Little Shop of Horrors National Tour
Audrey II is the giant man-eating plant companion of orphaned nerd, Seymore in the Broadway in Atlanta production of Little Shop of Horrors. The voice of Audrey II is provided by Michael James Leslie.
Funny yet threatening, sweet yet sadistic, traditional yet innovative, Broadway meets its match with an unconventional classic: Little Shop of Horrors took the audience by surprise opening night at the Fox, running Feb. 1-6.
Seductive with a true animated flair, Seymour's (Jonathan Rayson) Audrey II (Michael James Leslie) adds comic relief throughout the performance.
As Seymour's fame continues to flourish, Audrey II, a seemingly innocent new species of plant, continues to grow in more ways than one.
The story revolves around an orphaned nerd who falls for an attractive hooker in the middle of Skid Row, an urban section stricken with poverty. A dynamic meat-eating puppet is introduced and revives optimism in the flower shop.
Marc Petrosino, professional puppeteer and graduate of Ithaca College, joined the tour in Houston; Petrosino explained the mechanics of operating a puppet in a musical stage play.
The meat-eating puppet progresses into four different sizes. "The fourth puppet [is] about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. [It] requires the operation of two men- [it's] very physical and a lot of work," Petrosino said.
Ronnette (Latonya Holmes), Crystal (Amina S. Robinson) and Chiffon (Yasmeen Sulieman) hold the musical together belting amazing notes and clever entrances.
Between changing outfits and narrating the story, these girls add charisma and depth to the performance.
Seymour's hopes of escaping a meager living and igniting a passionate love rests in a plant. A talking and powerful plant is enough for an ironic twist in the musical right there, yet the plot is further heightened by its unusual appetite for human blood.
A tale of murder, guilt and love, Little Shop of Horrors provides entertainment for all ages. Drawn into a slightly hokey resolution, the musical redeems itself with a final number involving the entire cast.
The musical numbers were astoundingly well executed, revealing the sheer talent of the cast.
"I'm not a big fan of musicals, but I really like this one-long before I was ever in it. It's like a dream come true [for me]," Petrosino said.
A $20 student rush ticket discount price is available with valid student ID one hour prior to the show. For upcoming Broadway in Atlanta shows, visit www.foxtheatre.org.
