Mostly Musical Theatre

“Come-a, Come-a, Come-a” on down to this Little Shop (Croswell Opera House – Review) July 16, 2022

There’s a whole lot of fun going on in Adrian where Croswell Opera House is presenting Little Shop of Horrors, a musical theater staple. Under the direction of Jared Hoffert, musical direction of Jonathan Sills, choreography of Jessica Briggs and Scenic Design of Doug Miller, how can you not have one spectacular production. And this is. The show has a great off-Broadway feel to it, and it looks and sounds fantastic. Chris Goosman designed sound, Marley Boone designed costumes, and Tiff Crutchfield designed lighting.

I mention the technical staff first, because this is a first rate production that requires all those elements to be in place for success. The script succeeds on its own merits, but without fine surrounding elements, it’s the same show you’ve seen in every high school, college, and community theater around the area for the past 40 years. It’s hard to believe it has been that long since I saw the original production in NYC at the Orpheum Theater down the street from NYU. But you’ll feel like you are watching the show all over again for the first time in this fast-moving, vocally delicious production. 

Jared Hoffert’s direction is swift, and focused. You won’t miss anything here. The cast is top-notch from top to bottom. Mikey Del Vecchio is a nerdy powerhouse as Seymour, and Jamie Lynn Buechele makes the rafters shake with her vocals. Their act-2 “Suddenly Seymour” brought down the house. 

John Bacarella is a fine Mushnik, Jarrod Alexander is a smarmy Orin the Dentist, and Adam Baker voices an incredible plant, not the least of which is it’s physical controls by Rob Roy. Sabriyah Davis, Keshia Daisy Oliver, and Casaundra Taulton are omni-present muses as they shoo-bop the night away (and watch the clever hair and costume design as they transition from street urchins to eventual Motown stars). The remainder of the ensemble is exceptionally strong vocally and comedically: Megan Beckett, John Lamb, Julia Hoffert, Henry Seifried, and Joel Twitchell. Each has a moment to shine in this hilarious production.

But lets not skip the most important question you most likely have: how’s the plant, Audrey II?  Suffice it to say that it is spectactular in all 4 of its forms, and it chews up the scenery every time it comes to life (designed by MonkeyBoys Productions). 

All-in-all you’ll be hard pressed to find something more fun the next few weeks as Little Shop continues it’s destruction of Adrian (prominantly featured in a great moment). Don’t miss it.

Very Highest Recommendation.

Little Shop of Horrors continues at the Croswell Opera House through July 24th. Tickets at croswell.org