The Verona High School Spotlight Players’ production of Little Shop of Horrors , performed March 1-3 at VHS, told the story of Seymour Krelborne and his “special” plant through song, laughs, and surprises.
With the colorful and energetic plant as the source of his new found fame, junior Michael Hardenberg captured hearts as Seymour, a hopeful young man who works in a run down flower shop on the beaten down Skid Row. Hardenberg is known for his outstanding performances in musicals, dramas and one-act plays. His boss was played by none other than senior Filip Babalievsky, who is known for his charm and wit throughout Verona. Babalievsky’s portrayal of Mushnik, the short-tempered shop owner, proved that Babalievsky’s acting skills have gone above and beyond.
Junior Gabi Latimer shined in the spotlight as Audrey, the fashionable girl who Seymour falls in love with. Latimer’s acting experience clearly showed when she tackled an accent that was heard through her heartwarming rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green”.
Sophomore Austin Williams drew laughs and chuckles from the audience as he played the manic, abusive dentist Orin. After seeing him as Tex, a kind, gentle westerner in “Touchtone ‘M’ For Murder”, we saw that Williams is a diverse and skilled actor.
Seniors Shannon Garner, Gabriela Campos, Katie Egan, Amanda Salierno and Kelli Foy joined up with sophomore Kelsey Mitchell to star as the beloved Doo-Wop Girls. They helped keep the audience on the edge of their seats as they sang the famous “Little Shop of Horrors” at the beginning of the play.
The voice of Audrey II, (the famous plant) is voiced by junior Alex Karpinski. Known for his hilarious interpretation of Joe Vegas in last year’s production of Fame, Karpinski did not disappoint as he showed that one does not need to be seen to put on an amazing performance. The interviewers and customers who came in and around the shop throughout the musical brought out the many talents hidden away at Verona High School.
Director Fran Young showed that she can not only teach English, but create a picture on the stage that will definitely go down as one of the best musicals seen at Verona High School. Working alongside Melody Williams (choreography), Marsha Schreier (musical direction), Tom Williams (stage design), and the well known Dana Ahmuty (producer), Young and The Spotlight Players put on stage the performance of a lifetime.
Rachel Curcio is a junior at Verona High School.
