Grade: A
For the second time this season, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse stages a musical based on a 1960s film.
After a hugely successful production of the Mel Brooks comedy “The Producers,” MGR reaches further back into the vault to Roger Corman's “The Little Shop of Horrors,” a movie that achieved cult status by standing the scif/horror genre on its head.
Steve Bebout directs the show with style and verve; even while Seymour dithers or Audrey slumps or Mushnick moans, there is something electric about the production. The musical numbers are wonderfully staged and there is almost an impatience in the performances, a feeling that they must get through this for something better around the corner. The audience is treated to a show that starts out hot and just keeps getting better.
Josh Lamon and Amy Goldberger are terrific as Seymour and Audrey, both are wonderful actors with a fine comic sense and an aching vulnerability. Ray Arrucci (Max in “The Producers”) breathes life into the part of Mushnick, and Chuck Rea is a riot as the sadistic dentist. Gabrielle Porter, Kellee Knighten and Jade Hicks are perfect as the urchins who function as a Greek chorus.
But the star of the show is the plant, Audrey II, as voiced by Michael James Leslie and manipulated by Auburn native Marc Petrosino.
The pair work beautifully together, having done both the Broadway and national tour productions of the play. These two appear to have developed a symbiotic relationship, and the audience gets all the benefits of the collaboration. Leslie's vocal range is impressive and his phrasing is remarkable, and Petrosino's abilities are, frankly, astounding.
Mark Goodman's orchestra is great and Lori Leshner's choreography is well designed. Czerton Lim has created a fantastic set for the play, all faded paint and rusted iron, and Robert Frame does his usual fine work lighting the show.
Despite some adult language, this show is suitable for pre-teens and older.
If you go.
What: “Little Shop of Horrors”
When: Performances continue through Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 6861 E. Lake Road, Owasco
Cost: $25 to $39
For tickets: Call 255-1785 or visit www.merry-go-round.com
After a hugely successful production of the Mel Brooks comedy “The Producers,” MGR reaches further back into the vault to Roger Corman's “The Little Shop of Horrors,” a movie that achieved cult status by standing the scif/horror genre on its head.
Steve Bebout directs the show with style and verve; even while Seymour dithers or Audrey slumps or Mushnick moans, there is something electric about the production. The musical numbers are wonderfully staged and there is almost an impatience in the performances, a feeling that they must get through this for something better around the corner. The audience is treated to a show that starts out hot and just keeps getting better.
Josh Lamon and Amy Goldberger are terrific as Seymour and Audrey, both are wonderful actors with a fine comic sense and an aching vulnerability. Ray Arrucci (Max in “The Producers”) breathes life into the part of Mushnick, and Chuck Rea is a riot as the sadistic dentist. Gabrielle Porter, Kellee Knighten and Jade Hicks are perfect as the urchins who function as a Greek chorus.
But the star of the show is the plant, Audrey II, as voiced by Michael James Leslie and manipulated by Auburn native Marc Petrosino.
The pair work beautifully together, having done both the Broadway and national tour productions of the play. These two appear to have developed a symbiotic relationship, and the audience gets all the benefits of the collaboration. Leslie's vocal range is impressive and his phrasing is remarkable, and Petrosino's abilities are, frankly, astounding.
Mark Goodman's orchestra is great and Lori Leshner's choreography is well designed. Czerton Lim has created a fantastic set for the play, all faded paint and rusted iron, and Robert Frame does his usual fine work lighting the show.
Despite some adult language, this show is suitable for pre-teens and older.
If you go.
What: “Little Shop of Horrors”
When: Performances continue through Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 6861 E. Lake Road, Owasco
Cost: $25 to $39
For tickets: Call 255-1785 or visit www.merry-go-round.com
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