Alberta Youth Theatre Collective Reviews St. Joseph's Production of Little Shop of Horrors
The Edmonton Journal continues its tradition of showcasing local high school theatrical productions through student reviewers from the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective. This initiative provides young theater enthusiasts with a platform to share their perspectives on school performances across the region.
A Production That Delivers Both Laughs and Chills
While most characters in Little Shop of Horrors desperately want to escape Skid Row, anyone fortunate enough to witness St. Joseph Catholic High School's production would have been delighted to stay right where they were. This final production directed by Ashley Kirk successfully captured the essence of the classic musical while maintaining a fresh, campy, and hysterically comedic atmosphere that balanced genuine horror with exceptional talent.
The Story Behind the Man-Eating Plant
First debuting in 1982, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a struggling florist played by Jerome Alday, who discovers an unusual plant during a total eclipse. Naming the plant Audrey II after his workplace crush Audrey, portrayed by Arielle Chaves, Seymour soon learns that this botanical discovery has some rather disturbing dietary preferences. As the plant grows, so does its appetite for human blood and flesh, creating escalating tension throughout the musical.
Standout Performances That Captivated Audiences
It would be impossible not to acknowledge the remarkable performances delivered by Jerome Alday and Arielle Chaves as Seymour and Audrey. Alday's physical comedy through body language provided constant entertainment, while Chaves delivered a stunning rendition of "Somewhere That's Green." Their duet performance of "Suddenly Seymour" proved to be an absolute showstopper that brimmed with authentic character development.
Lyle Hunter's portrayal of Orin the Dentist created such a disturbing and uncomfortable character that he could have unsettled audiences even without the presence of a human-eating plant. Among the talented Street Urchins ensemble, Audrilana Gregorio as Ronette stood out with her powerful vocals, constant energy, and comedic timing that brought vibrant life to every scene she appeared in.
The Technical Marvels Behind the Scenes
Special recognition must be given to the individuals responsible for bringing the monstrous Audrey II puppets to life. Mary Mahe provided a nightmarish yet stunning vocal performance for the plant, delivering chilling renditions of "Feed Me (Git It!)" and "Suppertime" that left audiences with genuine goosebumps. Equal praise goes to puppeteer Saturn Chomlak, who mastered the medium of puppeteering in just three weeks to manipulate the beautifully crafted puppets with such skill that no audience member could detect this was a recently acquired talent.
Production Elements That Elevated the Experience
Beyond the performances, the production design elements contributed significantly to the overall success of the show. Despite working within a smaller stage space, the set designers created a beautifully crafted environment with meticulous attention to detail. A particularly impressive element was the inclusion of a live student band on stage instead of traditional recorded tracks, providing an outstanding auditory experience that enhanced the production's authenticity.
The show's public relations team also deserves commendation for their creative contributions. From playbills and tickets to student-made merchandise, every element carried fun and meticulously designed elements that complemented the theatrical experience. This comprehensive approach to production demonstrated the dedication and collaborative spirit of St. Joseph Catholic High School's theater program.
