The Methacton Theatre Company presented Little Shop of Horrors from Feb. 26 through March 1.
The musical featured a double cast, meaning the lead roles changed every other show. For example, Sam Cranmer, who played Audrey, sat out on Feb. 27 and on March 1 when Talia Smerecki played the same role.
Abby Drummond, a senior who played Seymour Krelborn, the main character of the musical, said the double cast presented some issues, but her biggest challenge was keeping her character bona fide.
“For me personally, the most difficult thing was trying my best to play Seymour as genuinely as possible, since the premise of the show is so ridiculous. I wanted to keep Seymour as real as I could while still leaning into the camp of the show.”
Drummond added that playing Seymour was a bright spot in her young career.
“Getting to play the role of Seymour is an absolute dream come true for me. He is one of my favorite musical characters, and I couldn’t be more grateful and excited.”
Aubrey Wheeler, who played the voice of Audrey II, the man-eating plant, said that audiences could look forward to the music, dancing, and puppeteering work in addition to the acting.
“I think the audience will enjoy it a lot; the band sounds fantastic, and the musical urchins are just wonderful to watch and listen to. I think that they will immediately fall in love with both main casts, as well as our wonderful dancers and ensemble. And finally, they will be absolutely enthralled by the puppeteering work and vocalization of the plant. The cast cannot wait to open and have an audience,” said Wheeler prior to opening night.
Drummond said that audiences would be in awe of the other add-ons to their version of the musical and would love the Audrey II puppeteering, performed by senior Alex DePiano.
“I think the audience will love the special effects. The puppet we have for the plant is so interesting and awesome. It literally eats the actors. I love the new lighting cues we’ve been able to pull off with our new lights,” Drummond added.
Jonathan Subranni, who played Audrey II along with Wheeler, said coordinating with the puppeteer team presented some issues at the onset of rehearsals.
“Something challenging for me personally, since I voiced the plant, was working with Alex, the puppeteer, on nailing the timing on opening and closing the mouth at the right time. But other than that, Alex was a joy to work with!”
Ms. Naylor, who’s been with MTC for more than 20 years, said there are many reasons that audiences might like the performance.
“Little Shop of Horrors is a very popular musical made into a movie that so many people enjoy. It has a great pit orchestra, leading roles, and an ensemble. All of the integral pieces of Little Shop can showcase our students’ talents in so many ways.”
As of now, the MTC is unsure of its fall production plans.
