See what's growing at 'Little Shop of Horrors' at Marmion
Many people want fame and fortune — but at what price?
Marmion Academy students will explore this dilemma in their production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which is set to open at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30, and run through Sunday, April 1, in Aurora.
“Little Shop of Horrors” is the story of Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy employee of a rundown skid row flower shop, who owns a very special plant.
This Faustian-like musical with an entertaining rock score satirizes everything from science fiction and ‘B' movies, to musical comedy itself.
Marmion English teacher and drama coach Kristin Voris, who is directing the show, answered a few questions for Daily Herald readers.
Q. Why did you choose “Little Shop of Horrors” for your spring play?
Voris. I chose “Little Shop of Horrors” because it's a fun play with great music that plays with the Faustian idea of what some people will sacrifice for fame and fortune.
Q. What was most surprising or unexpected thing in the production of this show?
Voris. Being that we rehearsed every scene separately from the others, and without the plant until recently, it has been a pleasant surprise how well everything has come together and run so smoothly this last week of rehearsal.
Q. How many students are involved in the production (cast and crew?)
Voris. Overall there are approximately 40 students who are involved in everything from performing, to playing in the pit, to stage crew, to costuming, to working with props, to student directing. Not a single aspect of the show is without the involvement of a student because, after all, this is really about them.
Q. What did you, or the students, enjoy most about this production?
Voris. One of the most enjoyable things in a production is when everything comes together in the final weeks of production; when all of the hard work, the sweat, and the tears have led to a fantastic production and the students' enjoyment is obvious onstage.
Q. What was involved in bringing to life a man-eating plant onstage?
Voris. An interesting part of this production is that the character of the plant grows during the show. It starts very little, and ends up as a huge man-eating “beast.” At different stages, it is animated in different ways, ending up with an actor inside working different levers and pulleys to make it “speak.” It has not been an easy trick, but the students have worked very hard and I believe the audience will be very pleased with the result.
Q. What part of the show do you think will be the audience's favorite?
Voris. “Little Shop” has many memorable moments and characters, so I imagine every audience member will come away with a different favorite. The plant will definitely be a crowd pleaser. Also, we are blessed to have a very talented group of students who sing beautifully. This may be the strongest group of voices I've had for a production. I feel very blessed to have worked with such talent.
Q. How many years have you been directing plays at Marmion? Who else is involved with the direction and production of this play?
Voris. This is my forth year of directing. I am lucky to work with the following talented individuals: math teacher John Salomone, who is the assistant director; as well as Maria Thornton, administrative assistant and Marmion's webmaster; who has been working as the producer. Additionally, Julianne Vickers is our vocal and pit director and Rob Stredde, Chris Huntoon, and Adam Vandre are running the technical area of this production.
Cast of ‘Little Shop of Horrors'
Aurora: Jake Gilmore, Alex Joyce, Katherine Kelly, Melissa Lifka, John Thornton, Paul Thornton
Batavia: Rebekah Goering, Rachel Neff, Brian Winkel
Geneva: Joe Ranvestel, Michell Rodriguez
Lisle: Peter Cepynsky
Montgomery: Stanley Sullivan
Naperville: Jack Stover
Oswego: Tom Bergan
St. Charles: Javier Andujar, Stephanie Benic, Drew Glanville, Katelyn Jassoy, Amy Stein
Sugar Grove: Suzanne Quinn
Wayne: Anthony Clementi, Regan Clementi
Yorkville: Eddie Catich
Tickets to “Little Shop of Horrors” are $10. Call (630) 966-7628 for details.
If you go
What: Marmion Academy's production of “Little Shop of Horrors”
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 30-31; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 1
Where: Alumni Hall, Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora
Tickets: $10
Details: (630) 966-7628