Little Shop of Horrors
Utah Shakespeare Festival
September 2003
Peter Riopelle, Tina Stafford
“Little Shop of Horrors is set for a glitzy revival on Broadway, but Utahns who love this off-beat little musical would do well to head to Cedar City instead of New York. It is hard to imagine a Little Shop that is any more fun than the one that opened Saturday at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.. It is the most elaborate production so far for USF’s fall season, and it is a high-camp hit.
“Little Shop” is a strange mixture of 1950s kitsch, Greek tragedy, old horror movie and frothy musical. It occupies a niche in some Twilight Zone where ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ intersects with ‘Grease.’ The plot sounds awful when explained, but when enacted with an expert dose of sly humor—as it is here—it is a guilty delight.
“Little Shop qualifies as a “small” musical, but it is produced in a big way at USF. The Beowulf Borritt set has every bell and whistle imaginable, and the technical challenges of bringing Audrey II to life are cleverly surmounted. Under the skillful direction of Paul Barnes, all aspects of the production radiate quality and loving care.
“Sure, it’s a strange show, but don’t be afraid to give it a chance. Like its herbaceous star, it will grow on you.”
Celia R. Baker
Salt Lake Tribune
“Although it’s based on a classic 1960 B-movie, this stage musical version of Little Shop of Horrors gets A-class treatment at the festival—a stage-filling set, terrific performances and probably one of the most talked-about ‘props’ ever created for the festival.
“Director Paul Barnes has added a short ‘megamix’ finale, partly to showcase bits of the show’s best songs, but—most likely—to prove to youngsters in the audience that there is life after Audrey II.
“Little Shop of Horrors” may not be filled with deep-seated messages (except, maybe, the risks involved with taking chances). It’s just thoroughly entertaining.”
Ivan M. Lincoln
Deseret Morning News
“The Utah Shakespeare Festival has done local theater patrons a big favor. If you are a fan of Roger Corman’s infectious ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ there now is no need to travel to New York City to see its revival, which premieres there next week. Not only has the USF saved you time and money by negating an East Coast trip, you can avoid the nasty aftermath of hurricane Isabel and any recurring power-grid failures.
“Better to stay at home and enjoy a charming interpretation of the theatrical version of Corman’s film from 1960 which was re-done and made famous in 1986 starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin.
“Featuring songs and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Mencken. . . the USF’s version is soulful where it should be, funny when it needs to be, and surprisingly touching, even for fans who may have seen the show many times.
“The macabre results are deliciously presented by the energetic cast who breathe new life into the Motown-inspired music. [Peter] Riopelle is terrific as the little schlemiel Seymour and is made even funnier cast against the striking, tall [Tina] Stafford. . .
“A worn out descriptive cliché of theatre is a show that makes you laugh and cry—but Stafford’s touching interpretation goes one step further. Her version of ‘Somewhere That’s Green’ where she dreams of a ‘matchbox’ home and a fence of ‘real chain link’ provokes humor and sadness in the same musical measure—a climatic highlight in a show filled with catchy songs.
“Also worthy of mention are scenic designer Beowulf Borritt’s splendidly detailed and intimate set coupled with director Paul Barnes and choreographer Toni Grates’ efficient blocking which keeps the proceedings bouncing and busy.
“And shing-a-ling! Singing trio the Ronnettes are displayed where they should be, not consigned to the background but as a major focus, especially when they feature delightful costumes and the supreme voices of Melinda Pfundstein, Sierra A.R. Rein, and Ashley Martinez.
“The USF’s fall season. . . continues to offer an incomparable bargain for theater aficionados. Suddenly, Broadway’s in your own backyard.”
Bruce Bennett
The Cedar City Spectrum