Free Show!
Little Shop of Horrors
Where: Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAMS) Performing Arts Building (Apron Stage)
When: Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 @ 10:15 AM
Production: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Price: FREE
This is a very condensed version of the show featuring Naugatuck's own playing the meek Seymour Krelborn.
Directions to WAMS
MY REVIEW
The WAMS Summer Arts Program presented Little [Little] Shop of Horrors as a culminating activity for the students. The lobby/dance studio was filled with family and friends until the doors to the Apron Stage were opened. While we waited, art students displayed their anime, jewelry and clay creations. So many were in attendance that the balcony seating had to be opened by one of the staff members. The staff commented that this was a wonderful problem to have.
The presentation began with several "residents of skid row" soloing on an eclectic selection of songs accompanied by music teacher Marianna Vagnini on piano. Adam Pierce played his guitar on "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" before he stepped into the role of "Mr. Mushnik."
The very condensed version of Little Shop featured most of the important characters and musical numbers. During "Somewhere That's Green," the players referenced Naugatuck. The wonderfully talented Jason Begin took a break from rehearsals to appear in the lead role of "Seymour;" I am always impressed at how comfortable this young man is on stage. The personable Nolan Cummings served as the narrator from one of the elevated boxes around the stage, while Chad Taylor was the amazing voice of the Audrey II from the same location. Brandon White operated the large and pretty impressive puppet on stage.
Morgan Sherwood was an adorable age-appropriate "Audrey." The busy Zach Carter donned a black leather jacket to play the part of the evil dentist "Orin." As always, he was amazing ... and a little scary. The Ronettes included six young ladies who worked together beautifully. A dozen dancers of various ages graced the stage at various times, and a chorus of eleven more students sang from the aisles at times.
Overall, it was a very impressive production in the amazing space that the WAMS Apron Stage offers. The tech crew used it to the fullest. Kudos to the faculty and staff for helping this great group of young people to shine.
