A blend of charm and comedic chaos delighted audiences in Wesley production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Our Arts students set new heights for what can be done in a school production with the rock musical Little Shop of Horrors.

The production captivated audiences with its unique blend of humour, horror, and unforgettable tunes – not least because Wesley’s unique take gave new energy to a show that has been performed in movies and on stage since 1960.

For a start, Audrey II – a murderous plant located in a failing florist on LA’s Skid Row – wasn’t a puppet as is usual. The Wesley production deliberately examined the artificial nature of storytelling, with students creating a fresh new way to represent Audrey II that involved her growing every time one of them put on something green.

The JGC Goatcher Auditorium was transformed into the bustling Skid Row, with a striking set design that captured the grittiness and charm of the urban landscape. The creativity was remarkable, with a monochrome, cartoonish cityscape created by our Certificate II Visual Arts students.

The innovative use of lighting and sound effects by students on the tech crew added depth to the production, enhancing the suspenseful moments and accentuating the show’s comedic elements, while Wesley’s musicians performed a soundtrack that would have impressed in any venue.

Little Shop of Horrors showcased Wesley’s exceptional pool of performers – from within the College and from beyond – each bringing their character to life with remarkable talent.

Audrey, portrayed by the charismatic Olivia Sartori, delivered a heart-wrenching performance, while College Captain, Jimmy Timcke, masterfully captured the essence of Seymour, the lovable and conflicted protagonist. The supporting cast, including the hilarious Orin (played by Daniel Wooldridge), fabulous Mr Mushnik (played by Thomas Liggins) and the voice of Audrey II (brought to life by Lana Habibi), provided comedic relief and added depth to the production.

The musical numbers in Little Shop of Horrors were nothing short of spectacular. From the high-impact Downtown (Skid Row) to the hauntingly beautiful Suddenly Seymour, the cast showcased their vocal prowess and captivated the audience across four performances.

Judging by the applause at the end of each show, the palpable energy and passion displayed on stage created a connection with the audience that would linger long after the final curtain call. It really was a testament to Wesley’s growing reputation as a hub for exceptional artistic expression.

This article was originally published in the Winter 2023 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.