Little Shop of Horrors

The Space Theatre in the Plex

    Mark Dissette as Mr. Mushnik

     It’s always a pleasure to attend one of PHAMALY’s theatre productions. Whether you’re a fan from way back or attending for the first time, these actors delight, dazzle and deliver an evening – or in my case a matinee - that enchants.

     

     “Little Shop of Horrors” is this summer’s entry into the pantheon of Broadway musicals that have been produced by this very fine troupe. It’s the tale of Seymour, a geeky assistant at the floral shop, who introduces a carnivorous plant into the inventory. It’s great good fun. Daniel Traylor (Seymour) appears to be having a blast as his plant, Audrey II, grows from adorable seedling to plantling to monster with a taste for anything that’s blood rare. 

      Kathi Wood, Audrey II and Daniel Traylor 

     Seymour's  fantasy girl friend, Audrey I, is the masochistic girl friend of a sadistic dentist, played with relish by Denver favorite, Jeremy Palmer. Audrey I is thoroughly well sung and acted by Kathi Wood. Her singing of “Somewhere That’s Green” is one of the highlights of the show. Mark Dissette is hilarious in the role of Seymour’s boss, Mr. Mushnik.

     

                  Mark Dissette, Audrey II and Daniel Traylor

     However … the star of the show is the plant, which is seen in five different stages of growth. These are five puppets that have been superbly designed by Cory Gilstrap/ Imagined Creations.

      

     With outstanding direction (Steve Wilson), music direction (Donna Debreceni), choreography (Debbie Stark and Ronni Gallup) and costumes by Linda Morken one has to go in expecting a very fun show.

    

     I must admit that my favorite thing about this production is the voice of the plant. Don Mauck’s vocals as this carnivorous posey are outstanding. Mauck is an amazing vocalist. You have got to hear his renditions of “Feed Me” and “Suppertime.” Outstanding!

      

     The ensemble includes such favorites as Brianna Berthiaume, Lyndsay Palmer and Kathleen Traylor. 

     The cast seemed a little bit more uptight than usual in the performance at which this reviewer was in attendance. So was this reviewer! After the tragic events of the previous week we were all still grieving.

     

     Go and support this outstanding company.

     

     You’ll be glad you did.

Marlowe's Musings

Tickets are now on sale for the Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League’s (PHAMALY) production of “Little Shop of Horrors."  Previews begin on July 12 & 13, opening at the Space Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex July 14 through August 5, 2012. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:00 p.m., Sundays and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 30. Tickets are $30 - $34 adult, $28 - $34 senior/student/military, $24 groups of 10 or more, and $17 for July 12 and 13 previews and (Industry Night) Monday, July 30. Tickets can be purchased by calling Denver Center Ticketing at 303-893-4100; online at www.phamaly.org; or at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. $24 tickets groups of ten or more - call 303-931-7241.