Review by Bethany Leslie with Mary Coggins
Glam, sparkle, rock, and man-eating plants—who could ask for anything more on a wintery night? Flint Repertory Theatre treats the community to a two-night event of the cult-classic Little Shop of Horrors In Concert. Act quickly, so you can catch the final show at 8:00 p.m.!
Playing at the Capitol Theatre this fun and campy adventure shifts the audiences’ favorite musical to the 1980s with the help of wonderful costumes by Whitney Loche and an atmosphere designed by Eli Sherlock. Just because it is “In Concert” take note—the director, creative team, and actors went all out with atmosphere, costumes, props, and choreography. The only typical thing that was missing from the production was the puppetry of Audrey II. However, director Michael Matthews had a plan for that! More in a minute.
Pulling Actor’s Equity, this is a STRONGLY voiced show! So many powerhouses that push the music from Broadway show and movie to the next level. Side note, if you only know the movie, there is one plot difference at the end so be aware. You cannot walk away from this show without a smile on your face, respect for the actors, and a bounce in your step, despite the topic at hand.
Two particular actors that stood out for this reviewer were Jason Veasey and Terren Wooten Clarke. Veasey plays Orin and all other side characters in the show—from the street bum to multiple agents. Veasey did amazing with ALL of these creations! But it was indeed his Orin that stood out with so much weight to his voice and demeanor toward Audrey that one has not seen before. Being in concert, as egoistical Orin, Veasey was the only character that breaks the fourth wall to get praise and cheers from the crowd. For some shows, it could have been distracting, but for this one, it completely works!
Terren Wooten Clarke as Audrey II is the other that stands out—figuratively and literally. If the music or acting of the other character is what brought you in, Terren’s Audrey II is what will keep you there until the very end. One finally gets to see the voice and character all in one, as Terren’s physical body is the plant growing through the three stages of the show. This is helped with such fun costumes and make-up. The versatility of drag adds just another layer to rectify having a female Audrey II voiced by a male and making it work.
On the flip side, this reviewer struggled with Lesli Margherita’s Audrey. Not sure if it was character choices or trying something different with this 1980s version of Little Shop… too many times there was too much of a nod to the original Audrey–Ellen Greene’s portrayal crossed with Carol Burnett’s secretary character Mrs. Wiggins, a nervous twitch, and the belting shouts of Cher during “Suddenly Seymour.” Either way, I was missing the deep-down sweet woman who still dreams of that white-picked fence home and family despite everything life has dealt her.
Another tricky spot in this 1980s show is the lyrics to “Somewhere That’s Green” Due to the multiple 1950s and 1960s references like Howdy Dowdy, Donna Reed, 12’ screen television being a big deal, it was hard to stay in the 1980s world. Realizing one cannot change the lyrics to Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s work, I wish there would have been a way to guide younger audiences through these cultural icons so as not to lose the meaning of Audrey’s “I Want” song.
With that being said, Little Shop of Horrors in Concert is still an amazing show that is silly, heartwarming, and so talented and fun. And yes, feel free to break out your 1980s clothing for a chance to win your own Audrey II. Another option is to get an “Audrey II” cocktail or mocktail at a local bar Poprox nearby.
The final concert show is tonight, November 18, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre downtown. Tickets range from $10-$40 and can be bought through tickets.thefim.org. So whatever you are doing—go see the show!
Flint Area Theatres 