A lively spin on ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

You may never look at feeding your houseplants quite the same way after Northern Ozaukee Theater’s upcoming production of the comedy rock musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” playing Thursday, May 6, through Sunday, May 9, in the Northern Ozaukee School District Fine Arts Center at Ozaukee High School.

With music by Alan Menken and lyrics and a book by Howard Ashman, “Little Shop of Horrors” is loosely based on “The Little Shop of Horrors,” a low-budget 1960 film.

“Shy and clumsy flower shop assistant Seymour secretly loves co-worker Audrey,” show producer Laura Vorwerk said of the musical’s storyline. “During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store. After Seymour feeds Audrey’s boyfriend Orin to the plant after Orin’s accidental death, he must come up with bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant.”

The show’s music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, features several well-known tunes, including the title song “Skid Row (Downtown),” “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Suddenly, Seymour.”

Because of its small cast, “Little Shop of Horrors” has become popular with community theater, schools and other amateur groups.

Among the cast members is Ozaukee High School senior Caden Erickson, who plays Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. and voices bloodthirsty Audrey II.

“The musical is an amazing way to have fun, make unexpected new friends, and express yourself,” he said. “It’s like one big family. I promise you, there’s no feeling better than getting a standing ovation for your performance.”

Among the volunteers supporting the production is Ozaukee High School Class of 1998 alumnus Kim Dussault, who is assisting with costuming, hair and makeup.

 “Oz Theater holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “I feel that theater arts are so important to have in school. Oz Theater means belonging, family, friends, and a great spirit of happiness for all involved. I will continue to support this theater for as long as I can.  This is my fourth year making costumes and helping with the show. There is nothing better than watching the characters come to life on stage.”

The upcoming run of “Little Shop of Horrors” marks the post-Covid pandemic return of live drama to Ozaukee Middle School and High School.

“Covid was a huge concern this year for putting on a live show, but we know these kids deserved to showcase their talents this year,” Vorwerk said. “We knew these kids needed this outlet more than anything this year. Our original plan was to have a bigger cast show last fall, but due to things not being quite ‘normal’ yet, we held off until spring. We also decided to do a smaller cast show to keep our theater bubble smaller. We’ve been in contact with our administration and school nurse since before we began rehearsals to make sure we’re doing everything we can do to keep everyone healthy and safe.”

The Northern Ozaukee Theater production will be staged in two acts, with a 15-minute intermission.

Showtimes for “Little Shop of Horrors” will be this Thursday through Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The cast and crew for “Little Shop of Horrors” is drawn from Ozaukee Middle School and Ozaukee High School.

Student cast members include Ann Knetter (Audrey), Westdyn Schroeder (Seymour Krelborn), Caden Erickson, Bryndyn Schroeder (Mr. Mushnick), Hannah Bustamante (Crystal), Hannah Lemke (Ronnette), Sarah Tinder (Chiffon), Savanna Large (customer and Mrs. Luce), Ieva Juodeikis (customer and Ms. Martin), Sierra Voigt (customer and “Skid Row” soloist), Amberlee Berryhill (customer and Berinstein) and Peyton Mueller (customer and Skip Snip).

Ozaukee Middle School and High School art teacher Nathan Kilps, creator of the show’s voracious giant Audrey II plant, will serve as the prop’s puppeteer.

Others participating in the May 6 to 9 production include:

• Lead Director — Bonnie Steele.

• Producer — Laura Vorwerk.

• Vocal Director — Katie Gruell.

• Set Construction and Painting: Nathan Kilps and Christopher Weavers.

• Sound Technician and Lighting Design: Shelby Capp and Owen Klaus.

• Sound and Lights — Shelby Capp, Cecelia Rice and Owen Klaus.

• Stage Crew — Elenor Lenz and Hope Halvorson.

• Costumes — Kim Dussault.

• Props — Bonnie Steele and Will Dussault.

• Hair and Makeup — Donna Knetter and Kim Dussault.

“Sci-fi, tongue-in-cheek, animated, quirky, fun and colorful are just a few of the ways I like to describe this musical,” Steele said. “Unlike most Broadway musicals, it hosts a smaller, intimate cast. However, it’s no small task and there is nothing small about the hard work and talent provided by the cast and crews.”

General admission tickets for limited in-person seating at the NOSD Fine Arts Center at Ozaukee High School, 401 Highland Dr. in Fredonia, are on sale for $8 in advance at the Ozaukee Middle School office, or available for $10 at the door.

Livestream tickets for remote viewing are available at www.showtix4u.com/events/nosdtheater.