This weekend the Lewiston Civic Theatre has its last three showings of the high-energy classic, Little Shop of Horrors. Performances are at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 and 29, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 30, all at the old LHS auditorium.
This musical is fun from beginning to end, and the production reveals just how talented the Lewiston and Clarkston community is.
The show starts on Skid Row, in Mushnik’s Flower Shop, where Audrey (Lorelie Faulk) and Seymour Krelborn (Vincent Gau) work together. Seymour is the improbable hero of the story. Timid and insecure, he is naive and feels much put-upon. Despite his flaws, he’s a sweet and well-meaning man.
Audrey works with Seymour, who names his plants after her at the flower shop. Lacking education and self-esteem, she suffers from feelings of hopelessness in her situation in life, including her abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Orin Scrivello.
The story turns exciting with the introduction of a man-eating plant and a sweet love story between Audrey and Seymour.
Director Amanda Smelyansky put together an amazing show with smooth scene changes, a clear focus, and a cohesion that is impressive.
The costume design consists of classic 1960 fashion by Kathleen Hanthorn and Gabi Segren, assisted by Kate Nowlin and Shannon Grow. The beautiful set, designed by Mike Cannon and Larry Goodwin, also looks fantastic.
The story feels fast-paced, starting with a shop that’s going under, to a man-eating plant, to a love blossoming, and ending with death.
As the play ends, the chorus in sings “Don’t Feed the Plants,” and the message to the audience is to be careful with wishes. As Seymour learns, there is a terrible price to pay when people get what they want, instead of what they earn.
Overall, this production is funny and exciting, and it nicely blends together the plants, actors and vocal performances. People in the audience might find themselves smiling throughout the show, and wanting to sing along to their favorite songs. The Lewiston Civic Theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors deserves a 5 out of 5.