Review: Little Shop of Horrors - Abbey Musical Theatre

Tyrell Beck and Jessie Feyen play Audrey and Seymour Photo credit: Ben Pryor

Damian Thorne as crazed dentist Orin. Photo Credit: Ben Pryor

Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's
 Little Shop of Horrors
Abbey Musical Theatre
Wallace Development Auditorium
Director: Teesh Szabo
 
Review Date: 27/05/2015
 
I remember watching the movie version of Little Shop of Horrors and being blown away with what a crazy, spoof, sci-fi horror it was.  The dentist and the plant ‘Audrey II’ were the main elements that stuck in my mind for terrifying reasons.  It won’t matter if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ll still enjoy this excellent musical and it’s quite likely that you will never forget the dentist or ‘Audrey II’.
With an up-beat soundtrack and a lively cast you will not find yourself shifting uncomfortably in your seat or checking your watch.  I found the characters in this show to be incredibly endearing with some really strong performances standing out from the crowd.  Jessie Feyen’s role as ‘girl from the wrong side of town’, Audrey, was exceptional.  Her accent was breath-taking and her characterisation impressive.  It wasn’t just Seymour that fell in love with Audrey, we all did.  Tyrell Beck as nerdy Seymour continued his run of strong roles with Abbey Theatre. Hopelessly in love with co-worker Audrey, Seymour had us all rooting for him to get his girl.  Flower shop owner and Seymour and Audrey's boss 'Mushnik' was played with flair by Don MacBeth.
Larger than life Damian Thorne played many roles—I don’t know how he got changed so quickly but he could teach my daughters a thing or two about getting ready to go out faster!  His main role as psychopathic dentist Orin is outrageously good, wow!  At times eclipsing the plant (which had its own ‘growing’ role) Damian brought all our nightmares of dentistry to life in hysterical over-the-top style.  He brought agility and energy in bucket loads—I challenge you to watch his role without laughing. I honestly can’t imagine how the dentist could have been better depicted.
A trio of chorus characters brought some excellent harmonies together, and kept the upbeat, lively tempo rolling.  Erica Ward had a brief cameo and delivered  beautiful and powerful song.
The set was well used, flowing seamlessly and lighting was used to its best advantage to create a really enjoyable scene.
Audrey II was more than a one person job (played by duo Nate Davis and Jacob McDonald) and every stage of its life was incredibly well delivered.  I’m surprised at how quickly I forgot that it was a puppet and bought into it as a character – a sinister character. 
The final scenes drew me back to haunting memories of watching ‘The Night of the Triffids’ while I was too young, with an excellent combo of costume, and lights creating an eerie yet comical scene.
I’ve not had the privilege of seeing a show directed by Teesh Szabo before, and I was impressed at how tightly she'd pulled everything together.  The combination of great set work, lighting, choreography, costume, props, and acting created a thoroughly enjoyable show that was a pleasure to see.

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