Broadway By the Bay’s productions never cease to astonish me.
For the most part, they match production values and talent levels
with any show produced from San Jose to San Francisco.
Broadway By the Bay’s productions never cease to astonish me. For the most part, they match production values and talent levels with any show produced from San Jose to San Francisco. Considering most of the talent and backstage operators are local and not Equity (the theatrical professional’s union), this is an amazing phenomenon.
“Little Shop of Horrors” tells the story of Seymour, a nebbish amateur botanist who works in the failing Skid Row Flower Shop. A flytrap-type plant from outer space takes up residence in the shop and turns Seymour’s life into a confusing, uproarious mess. Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music) took Roger Corman’s cult B-horror movie and created a musical that successfully played Off-Broadway, winning several awards. The story takes the audience on a crazy ride into an unsettling story that is campy and at times gory and grotesque. Songs like “Suddenly Seymour,” “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Ya Never Know” help set the mood for the show. Ashman and Menken went on to win Academy Awards for their work on “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and The Beast.”
The production is well cast. As Audrey, the really dumb blond with a big heart, Sarah Aili inhabits the character flawlessly, with the high-pitched screech of a banshee with a New York accent. She delivers her lines and songs with such believability and poignancy, the audience feels for this ditsy babe and rolls with her character.
Tyler Kent plays Seymour with an ironic mixture of sensitive, dopey nerd and man with a mission. His interplay with the plant is well-timed and interestingly humorous.
Hector S. Quintana intimidates and melodically bellows with his bass as the voice of Audrey II, the plant. Puppeteer Daniel Harper works Audrey II, who continues to grow throughout the show, like all the zucchinis in the world planted at the same time. His timing with Harper’s voice is well done.
Director George Maguire moves the show at a brisk pace, with scenes running smoothly and the show’s action tight. Award-winner Berle Davis’ choreography is, as always, a delightful home run. When you see Davis’ name on the program, you know you’re in for a hit.
Musical Director Pat Parr adds just the right ’60s doo-wop touch with a small ensemble in the orchestra pit making big music. Chad Bonaker’s lighting and Bill Carrico’s sound are right on the mark – no small wonder with the many special cues that abound through out this production.
“Little Shop Of Horrors” is a silly, delightful bit of fun. You may not leave the theatre humming any of the tunes, but you will feel good, and perhaps a little giddy. In these days of stress and election harping, this well done “Little Shop of Horrors” will take you away from it all for a few hours.
“Little Shop Of Horrors”
Where: Broadway By The Bay at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware, San Mateo.
When: Thursdays –Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m., through April 20
Tickets: $17-$45
Details: (650) 579-5565 or visit www.broadwaybythebay.org
