If it can move and talk, who’s to say it cannot do anything it wants, including taking the stage in “Little Shop of Horrors.” From March 27-30 at Brown Auditorium, the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) will present this iconic musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
The story follows a shy flower shop assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who becomes the caretaker of a carnivorous plant with an insatiable thirst for blood. As the plant, famously known as Audrey II, grows, so does its appetite.
While Audrey II may steal the spotlight, more than line rehearsal goes on behind the scenes to bring “Little Shop of Horrors” to life. An unforgettable production requires impeccable communication and several backstage workers.
Directors Gregory Baccarini and Sarah Siereveld, alongside music director Justin Harvard, held auditions on Jan. 21-22.
“While this isn’t a dance-heavy production, we wanted to see how well they picked up choreography and, more importantly, the personality they brought to that aspect of the audition,” Baccarini said. “It was essential to cast actors who are not only experienced with singing and dancing but also bring big personalities to fully embody these larger-than-life characters.”
The sadistic dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Orin Scrivello, certainly embodies a big personality with his over-the-top attitude. However, Seymour’s transformative journey—from a shy, insecure florist to a bold, ambitious character—provides the most compelling opportunity to explore and embody a “big personality” on stage.
Sophomore art major Benjamin Matherne plays Seymour for ULM’s production. Previous actors for Seymour, such as Rick Moranis and Jake Gyllenhaal, brought their unique interpretations of the character. Moranis’ portrayal in the 1986 film highlighted Seymour’s vulnerability, as he gradually evolves into a more assertive figure in his interactions with Audrey II.
In contrast, Gyllenhaal instilled the role with a darker tone, focusing on Seymour’s internal conflict.
Matherne has plans to play the character in a unique way.
“I definitely see similarities between Seymour’s personality and my own,” Matherne said. “I can be socially awkward at times but also express a playful, goofy side. Ultimately, I want to highlight Seymour’s heart through his emotional ups and downs.”
As Seymour navigates his new reality, he experiences many emotional highs and lows. This results in a tense confrontation with Orin in his dental office. While Orin brings chaos to the stage, his face-off with Seymour launches the dramatic tension in “Little Shop of Horrors”.
“Without giving too much away, there’s a scene where Seymour enters the dentist’s office and interacts with Orin,” Morris said. “I think that scene will be one that the audience will love.”
To see this hilarious scene, check out “Little Shop of Horrors” on March 27-29 at 7 p.m. and March 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door: $20 for general admission, $15 for faculty and free for Warhawks with a valid student ID. Make sure you bring plenty of snacks to share with Audrey II. She gets a bit puckish while performing.
