Rockwall, TX (December 21, 2023) – This season Rockwall High School Theatre set out to consider how something small makes a big impact. Their upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors is poised to do just that!
At its heart, this high energy, if somewhat morbid production, speaks to the pull of good versus evil.
The Broadway production is based on a unique horror film from the 1960s, with an original cast including an unknown Jack Nicholson in one of his earliest roles. However, the 1986 version with Rick Moranis starring as Seymour might be more commonly known. While some differences exist between the stage and film productions, both ultimately share the same message, to consider carefully what you wish for.
Announcing the choice of Little Shop of Horrors to the students was a bit of a surprise, says Virginia McGuire, Rockwall High School Head Theatre Director. Thanks in part to a renewed interest in the production currently showing off-Broadway, a little research by the students generated enthusiasm; and the sixteen cast members, a mix of freshmen to seniors, are set to premiere the full Broadway version in January.
Little Shop of Horrors is challenging both artistically and technically. The Costuming Department spent a great deal of time researching and developing the stage dressing staying true to the genre. The Tech Theatre students faced the complicated task of building the puppets that would become Audrey II!
While many schools rent puppets, the RHS program saw opportunity in their own creation. With four versions of Audrey II, starting with a handheld puppet, the design had to grow larger as the puppet is fed, changing through four different pods. Eventually, Audrey II takes five students to operate! The final version being large enough to eat a human!
Musically, the play, which includes well-known renditions of “Skid Row”, Feed Me” and “Suddenly Seymour”, has its challenges.
Complicated is not strong enough of a description.
Luke, Audrey II puppeteer, had a very demanding and challenging role. In fact, one song takes great stamina, lasting nearly six minutes, all while coordinating the puppet with an off-stage voice! To ensure the puppet appears as life-like as possible, he worked extensively with Miss Kimberlyn Helin, Technical Director, on fundamentals and finer details.
This is a great opportunity to become familiar with this unusual story. The RHS production includes some surprises – that you just must see!
Little Shop of Horrors hits the state at the Performing Arts Complex on January 18, 19, 20. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.jacketsact.com/
The RHS Theatre program has a reputation for award-winning performances and production excellence. The program was nominated by Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards (2023) for Outstanding Direction and Costume Design for their production of Chicago: Teen Version; and is proud to have students serving in leadership and ambassador positions with Texas Thespians. Visit www.Jacketsact.com to learn more.
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