Steve Martin

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ blooms a darker green

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

This sad little flower shop on Skid Rowe holds a secret.

From John Stone’s playfully ticking sound design to Erik D. Diaz’s fascinating ‘blooming’ set,’ Greater Boston Stage Company makes two things abundantly clear:  Don’t feed the plants and everyone’s life should be narrated by a streetwise Greek chorus.

Directed with comic edge by Ilana Ransom Toeplitz and Chris Shin’s zany chorography, Greater Boston Stage Company continues horror comedy rock sci-fi musical, Little Shop of Horrors live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 29.  This production runs approximately two hours with one intermission.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Kayla Shimizu, Stephen Markarian and Bryan Miner in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Little Shop of Horrors embarked on quite a journey to become the cult classic it is today.  Originally based on Jack Cullier’s 1932 story Green Thoughts, Little Shop of Horrors was originally a 1960 B movie featuring a then lesser known Jack Nicholson before it was developed into a 1982 stage musical and then a 1986 musical film adaptation featuring Rick Moranis, Bill Murray and John Candy.  The musical also introduced sadistic dentist Orin, portrayed by Steve Martin in the film.

It’s a seemingly simple tale about young love on Skid Rowe in a fledgling flower shop that houses a curious and unique breed of plant.  Some critics have compared it to the daring tone of the cult classic, ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ but Little Shop of Horrors is usually delivered with a more subtle brand of campy charm.

This wild tale is headlined by the sweet and sassy sounds of female Greek chorus trio Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette who pop up in the most unexpected places during the production. With few exceptions, the music, with lyrics by award-winning composer Alan Menken, have a catchy, rock n’ roll vibe including tunes that pay tribute to 60s girl groups. 

Becky Bass, Corlandt Barrett and Pearl Scott in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

From casual street garments to flashy glam by Chelsea Kerl, these three dazzling vocalists certainly know how to make an entrance.  Cortlandt Barrett as Chiffon, Becky Bass as Crystal and Pearl Scott as Ronnette are a tough, humorous, and street-smart trio who unveil the real ins and outs of Skid Rowe through harmony, kicking it off with the catchy signature track, Little Shop of Horrors and especially showing off their mellifluous vocals for Skid Rowe (Downtown).

The set of Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

With haunting and ominous illumination by Corey Whittemore, Erik D. Diaz combines creepy and dilapidated featuring vintage brick storefronts, beaten up garbage cans, a weathered Mushnik Florist sign, and an eerie projection screen splashed with blood at center stage.  What Diaz does with the set is vivid, remarkable and transformative right down to its carefully timed shop bell.  Set in the 1960s, Little Shop of Horrors is packed with 50s and 60s references such as I Love Lucy, Howdy Doody, Donna Reed, and Betty Crocker.

The cast of Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

The show has a gift for funny and ironic contrasts with a cast that has increasingly complicated motives.  Wearing black-rimmed glasses, a baseball cap and a sweater vest, William David Kay stepped in for Stephen Markarian offering an earnest portrayal as Seymour, a sympathetic yet conflicted botanist.  Anxious and occasionally clumsy, Kay emphasizes Seymour’s inherent, inescapable loneliness as he struggles to remain forthright and honest as the show progresses.  He shines in the darkly tender number Grow for Me and in his awkward adoration for trusting, insecure and frequently unlucky Audrey, portrayed sweetly with a light accent and plucky charm by Kayla Shimizu.  In a particularly comical moment, Seymour warmly hopes to take Audrey to “a fancy dinner at Howard Johnson’s.”

Photo of Kayla Shimizu, Stephen Markarian* and Bryan Miner* by Nile Scott Studios.

Shimizu’s lovely soprano vocals carry a lullaby or a soulful belt beautifully.  She shares her simple, 50s domestic dreams in a funny and tender rendition of Somewhere That’s Green and with Seymour in a powerful rendition of Suddenly Seymour.

Stephen Markarian* Audrey II and Kayla Shimizu Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

Disheveled and desperate in colorful and busily patterned suits, Bryan Miner is wonderful as worn and frustrated flower shop owner, Mr. Mushnik.  Tightly wound and barely holding onto hope, Miner’s Mushnik is especially clever with William David Kay as Seymour for the manipulative and comical calypso-infused number, Mushnik and Son.  Mushnik may be too smart for his own good.

Audrey II, Stephen Markarian* and Bryan Miner* in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

I’ve seen a few versions of Little Shop of Horrors and this is the edgiest production I have seen.  Jared Troilo works overtime to portray a number of satirical characters that are impressively goofy and fun.  Troilo is next level sinister in a no-holds-barred performance as Orin, a belligerent, gyrating, narcissistic biker dentist punctuated by a berating sneer and a glottal “dull” utterance.  It occasionally crosses the line from darkly funny to disquieting and overdone.

Becky Bass, Pearl Scott, Cortlandt Barrett and Jared Troilo in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

However, the real spectacle is  Audrey II, the sly and soulful plant that changes everything.  Anthony Pires, Jr. boasts versatile and grimly wise vocals as well as a gift for pleading exemplified in the rock number, Feed Me.  Inventively manipulated by Sydney Grant, Audrey II is a comical and extraordinary specimen right down to bright colors and shiny, dangling teeth.  Audrey II is handled in such an innovative, natural, and humorous way, the results are truly captivating.

Audrey II, Kayla Shimizu and Stephen Markarian in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Greater Boston Stage Company’s Little Shop of Horrors continues live and in person through Sunday, June 29 at the Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information, tickets, and for details about the Little Shop of Horrors raffle.

REVIEW: The con is on as Moonbox Productions presents musical comedy ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

An odd couple and a lucrative bet….but if you think you know how this slippery musical comedy tango will end, there is much more here than meets the eye.

Directed skillfully by Allison Olivia Choat with absorbing music direction by Catherine Stornetta and upbeat yet spicy choreography by Brad Reinking, Moonbox Productions continues musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels live and in person at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 20.  This show has adult themes and runs approximately two hours and 15 min with one ten minute intermission.  It also boasts open captions that come in handy during the performance.  Click here for more information and for tickets.    

Matthew Zahnzinger, Shonna McEachern* and Phil Tayler in ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
Photography by Molly Shoemaker

A remake of 1964’s Bedtime Story, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels hit the big screen in 1988 starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin before it became a popular Broadway musical comedy in 2004 garnering a number of Tony nominations including Norbert Leo Butz’s Tony Award-winning performance as Freddy.  In 2019, Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson starred in the film remake renamed The Hustle.

From Hawaiian shirts to stately formal wear in cheerful colors, some aspects of E. Rosser’s costume design is inspired by the 1988 film, but thankfully contemporarily updated from the film’s bulky 80s style clothing.

Taking place over one summer on the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels focuses on a group of conmen doing what they do best.  It has an odd coupling vibe with Matthew Zahnzinger as sophisticated master conman Lawrence with his co-conspirator André who encounters Phil Tayler as skilled yet uncouth novice Freddy.  Freddy is a small time conman who immediately admires Lawrence’s success and longs to learn the ropes.  When they both set their eyes on Shonna McEachern as mysterious Christine, the stakes are high and the con is on.

With simple staging on two floors by Peyton Taveres with portable props by Andrew Reynolds as well as an onstage band behind glass, Andrea Sala’s upscale multicolor lighting takes center stage and has a delightful mind of its own demonstrated by Zahnzinger’s Lawrence who drolly exclaims, ‘Breeding is important, but lighting is everything!’ 

Matthew Zahnzinger and Julius P. Williams III in ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Photography by Molly Shoemaker

Adorned in a three piece suit with a red carnation and suave ascot, Zahnzinger perfects a thick British accent and is the picture of refinement as Lawrence.  Charismatic, suave and boasting a crafty smirk, Zahnzinger shines as Lawrence and is more than game as this smooth world traveling con artist. Julius P. Williams III portrays Lawrence’s behind the scenes right hand man André.  Williams III is quite the schmoozer who is big on decorum and short on patience.  Lawrence and André’s conspiratorial tête-à-têtes and knowing glances make them an amusing comedy duo.  When Phil Tayler as younger, outspoken, unhinged and underhanded Freddy Benson enters the scene, the real excitement begins. 

Matthew Zahnzinger, Phil Tayler and Sophie Shaw in ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
Photography by Molly Shoemaker

It is easy to see how seamlessly Dirty Rotten Scoundrels fits as a musical comedy and after watching the 1988 comedy film, the musical is tremendously more fun.  With sultry and exuberant choreography by Brad Reinking, this charming ensemble has as big of a personality as the distinct main cast.  From the two step to yodeling to even birdcage choreography which has to be seen to be believed, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels infuses these dance sequences in all the right places.

Tader Shipley and cast in ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Photography by Molly Shoemaker

Most of the women seem gullible and naïve with few exceptions including Tader Shipley as Jolene Oakes as a fabulous, cart wheeling southern belle in glittering gold cowboy boots.  Shipley’s over the top delivery as she headlines Oklahoma is an unforgettable treat.  Boasting soaring vocals, Shonna McEachern depicts the altruistic Christine and performs a lovely ballad with Tayler for Nothing is Too Wonderful to Be True.

Shonna McEachern* and company in ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Photography by Molly Shoemaker

Through David Yazbek’s lyrically clever music, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ catchy soundtrack often plays on words, especially demonstrated through Ruffhousen with Schüffhausen featuring a memorably comedic twist between Lawrence, Freddy, and Christine.  Like Zis, Like Zat is a coy duet featuring André and Christine English as wide eyed Muriel and the tongue twisting and captivating cha cha-inspired The More We Dance between Lawrence and Christine.  Phil Tayler as Freddy is at his avaricious best for Great Big Stuff!

Phil Tayler and company in ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
Photography by Molly Shoemaker

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is silly, sneaky and romantic with a brand of self aware humor that smoothly brings the audience in on the art of the con. It’s a lot of fun to be in on this hustle.

Moonbox Productions continues musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels live and in person at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 20.  Click here for more information and for tickets.   

REVIEW: With a double dose of vintage flair, Lyric Stage’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ will make audiences thirsty for more

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

This sad little flower shop on Skid Rowe holds a secret.

Tattered, lesser known movie posters such as ‘Mothra,’ ‘Planet of the Vampires,’ and ‘Attack of the Puppet People’ strewn fervently on brick, graffiti-covered walls provide just a hint of the zany, B-movie glory that opens Lyric Stage Company of Boston’s 45th season with retro sci-fi musical comedy, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ continuing through Sunday, October 6 at Lyric Stage in Boston, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets.

From the inventive special effects to the fascinating, ‘blooming’ set,’ Lyric Stage makes two things abundantly clear:  Don’t feed the plants and everyone’s life should be narrated by a streetwise, Greek chorus.

‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ based on Jack Cullier’s 1932 story Green Thoughts, went on to become a cult classic, featuring actors such as Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray, Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, and John Candy stepping into its various film adaptations.  A remake is in the works as it marks its 60th anniversary in 2020.

It’s a seemingly simple tale about young love on Skid Rowe in a fledgling flower shop that houses a curious, unique breed of plant.  Some critics have compared it to the daring tone of the cult classic, ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ but ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ offers a more subtle brand of campy charm.

Lyric Stage's Little Shop of Horrors Trio

From L to R: Pier Lamia Porter as Chiffon, Carla Martinez as Ronnette, and Lovely Hoffman as Crystal Photo credit to Mark S. Howard/Lyric Stage Company of Boston

Janie E Howland’s vivid, transformative set is remarkable right down to its carefully timed shop bell.  Not only does it pay homage to vintage films of its time, but ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is packed with 50s and 60s references such as ‘I Love Lucy,’ Howdy Doody, Donna Reed, and Betty Crocker.

Before going any further, let’s start with that Greek Chorus.  With few exceptions, the music, with lyrics by award-winning composer Alan Menken, have a catchy, rock n roll vibe including tunes that pay tribute to 60s girl groups.  From casual street garments to flashy glam, these three electrifying vocalists certainly know how to make an entrance.  Pier Lamia Porter as Chiffon, Lovely Hoffman as Crystal and Carla Martinez as Ronnette are a tough, humorous, and street-smart trio who unveil the real ins and outs of Skid Rowe through harmony, kicking it off with the catchy signature track, Little Shop of Horrors.

Lyric Stage Little Shop Remo Airaldi Dan Prior Katrina Z Pavao and Jeff Marcus

L to R: Remo Airaldi as Mr. Mushnik, Dan Prior as Seymour, Katrina Z Pavao as Audrey, and Jeff Marcus as a customer Photo credit to Mark S. Howard/Lyric Stage Company of Boston

The show has a gift for funny, ironic contrasts with a cast that has increasingly complicated motives.  Wearing black-rimmed glasses, a baseball cap, and fervently wiping his brow, Dan Prior gives real heart to Seymour, a sympathetic, yet conflicted botanist.  With an anxious demeanor and a light city accent, Prior emphasizes Seymour’s inherent, inescapable loneliness as he struggles to remain forthright and honest as the show progresses.  He shines in the darkly tender number Grow for Me and in his awkward adoration for trusting and frequently unlucky Audrey, portrayed wonderfully with plucky charm by Katrina Z Pavao.  In a particularly comical moment, Seymour hopes to take Audrey to “a fancy dinner at Howard Johnson’s.”

Pavao’s lovely soprano vocals carry a lullaby or a soulful belt with equal skill.  She shares her simple, 50s domestic dreams in a funny and tender rendition of Somewhere That’s Green and with Seymour in a powerful rendition of Suddenly Seymour.

Lyric Stage 'Little Shop of Horrors' Dan Prior as Seymour and Remo Airaldi as Mr Mushnik

Dan Prior as Seymour and Remo Airaldi as Mr. Mushnik Photo credit to Mark S. Howard/Lyric Stage Company of Boston

Disheveled and desperate in an old cardigan, Remo Airaldi takes on the role of frustrated flower shop owner, Mr. Mushnik.  Having delivered a deliciously dark comedic turn as Ben in Lyric Stage’s ‘The Little Foxes,’ Airaldi once again delivers a dark and memorable performance.  He is especially clever with Dan Prior as Seymour for the manipulative and comical number, Mushnik and Son.

Lyric Stage's 'Little Shop of Horrors' Carla Martinez Pier Lamia Porter Lovely Hoffman and Jeff Marcus

From L to R: Carla Martinez as Ronnette, Pier Lamia Porter as Chiffon, Lovely Hoffman as Crystal, and Jeff Marcus as Orin Photo credit to Mark S. Howard/Lyric Stage Company of Boston

Jeff Marcus brings out his campy, satiric best in several roles including a no-holds-barred performance as Orin, a belligerent, narcissistic biker dentist punctuated with a howling, maniacal laugh.  Marcus and Prior are particularly fun to watch, playing well off each other in the number, Now (It’s Just the Gas). 

Lyric Stage's 'Little Shop of Horrors' Dan Prior as Seymour and Audrey II

Dan Prior as Seymour and Yewande Odetoyinbo as Audrey II Photo credit to Mark S. Howard/Lyric Stage Company of Boston

However, the real spectacle is  Audrey II, the sly, soulful plant that changes everything.  With versatile and grimly wise vocals by Yewande Odetoyinbo, inventively manipulated by Tim Hoover, and skillfully designed by Cameron McEachern, Audrey II is a comical, extraordinary specimen right down to her bright colors and shiny, dangling teeth.  Audrey II is handled in such an innovative, natural, and majestic way, the results are truly mesmerizing.

Directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone, Lyric Stage’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ continues through October 6 at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, 140 Clarendon Street in Boston, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets and here for what is coming up during Lyric Stage’s 45th season.

Go green with Cohasset Dramatic Club’s sci fi horror comedy musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Cohasset Dramatic Club’s comedy horror rock sci fi musical, Little Shop of Horrors, offers two very important life lessons.  Don’t feed the plants and everyone’s life should be narrated by a streetwise, Greek chorus.  Punctuated by the sweet, sassy sounds of female Greek chorus trio Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette, Cohasset Dramatic Club opened its 98th season with Little Shop of Horrors in all of its zany, outrageous glory on the Cohasset Town Hall stage in Cohasset, Massachusetts continuing through Sunday, November 18.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Cohasset Dramatic Club Little Shop of Horrors cover

Directed by Lisa Pratt, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ continues through November 18! Photo courtesy of Cohasset Dramatic Club

Little Shop of Horrors, based on John Cullier’s short story Green Thoughts from 1932, has gone on to become a cult classic, with actors such as Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray, Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, and John Candy stepping into its various film adaptations.  A remake is in the works as it celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2020.

It’s a seemingly simple tale about young love on Skid Rowe in a fledgling flower shop that houses a curious, unique breed of plant.  Some critics compare it to the campy tone of the another cult classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show, but Little Shop of Horrors offers a more subtle brand of campy charm.

The show has a gift for funny, ironic contrasts right down to the bright, cheerful set design by Mark Bono with scenic artist Denise Feeney.   An ode to vintage 50s films of its time, Mr. Mushnik’s beautiful and pastel Floral Shop front seems hardly a place that belongs on Skide Row or Gutter as the name of a bar.  With few exceptions, the music, with lyrics by award-winning composer Alan Menken, has a catchy, rock n roll vibe, some tunes an ode to 60s girl groups.  From plaids to shimmering gowns, Colleen Craig as Chiffon, Michelle Margulies as Crystal and Cara Lee Chamberlain as Ronnette form a taut, humorous, street-smart trio, unveiling the real ins and outs of Skid Rowe through harmony, kicking it off with the catchy, signature track, Little Shop of Horrors.

With a distinctive, comedic voice and dark reading glasses, Jonathan Markella is a natural as Mr. Mushnik.  Shrewd, sensible, and a bit dour, Markella’s take on the firm, yet fidgety Mr. Mushnik is a memorable one.  He showcases his comedic chops best with Jordan Reymolds as Seymour in the clever number, Mushnik and Son.

Cohasset Dramatic Club Little Shop of Horrors Seymour

Jordan Reymolds as Seymour and Audrey II Photo courtesy of Cohasset Dramatic Club

With black glasses and a sweater vest, Jordan Reymolds is splendid as Seymour, a sympathetic, conflicted botanist.  With a bit of a crackly speaking voice and a light city accent, he is ever the shy, unassuming nerd that actor Rick Moranis stepped into in the 1986 film adaptation.  He shines in the darkly tender number, Grow for Me and his awkward adoration for Audrey, portrayed with stylish, effervescence by Adina Lunquist, exudes comic charm, at one moment he’s hoping to take her to “a fancy dinner at Howard Johnson’s.”  Linquist is wonderful, her silvery soprano vocals carrying a lullaby or a soulful belt with equal skill.  She shares her simple, 50s domestic dreams in Somewhere That’s Green and with Seymour who deliver a powerful rendition of Suddenly Seymour.

Brendan Smith rises to the occasion playing several roles including the outrageous, narcissistic biker dentist.  Having portrayed The Monster in Young Frankenstein, his pliable, animated features master a multitude of roles in stride.

The real spectacle is Audrey II, the sly soulful plant that changes everything.  With deep, soulful, animated vocals that harness a bit of Elvis and Robin Williams and skillfully manipulated by Mike Nakashima whose theatre history includes a part in Cohasset’s Avenue Q, Audrey II is an impressive specimen right down to its shiny, dangling teeth.

Directed by Lisa Pratt, Cohasset Dramatic Club presents Little Shop of Horrors through Sunday, November 18 at Cohasset Town Hall, 41 Highland Avenue in Cohasset, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets.  Learn more about Cohasset Dramatic Club by following on their Facebook page.