Theatre Calgary launched its production of Little Shop of Horrors on Friday night at the Max Bell Theatre, bringing a campy, crazy show to a juiced-up opening full house.
Max Bell Theatre Hosts Opening Night
The production runs through October 25 at the Max Bell Theatre in the Werklund Centre. Friday’s performance played to a full house, blending slapstick humor reminiscent of 1940s Bowery Boys movies with darker narrative notes including murder and dental surgery.
Cast and creative team perform on Skid Row
The story follows Mushniks, a struggling flower shop located on Skid Row. The cast features Tenaj Williams as Seymour, an orphaned employee who nurtures an unusual plant, and Kate Blackburn as Audrey. Mark Bellamy stars as Mushnik, while Gaelan Beatty plays Orin Scrivello, the dentist.
A Greek chorus trio consisting of Jessica Jones, Michelle Yu, and Ineza Mugisha portrays doo-wop singers on the stoops of Skid Row. Tracy Flye directed the production, utilizing the musical score composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman.
Audrey 2 Puppetry Design
The central plant, Audrey 2, was created by the Calgary puppet company Green Fools, directed by Dean Bareham. The plant grows from a small houseplant into a carnivorous specimen that demands human blood in exchange for revitalizing the failing flower shop.
Where and when Theatre Calgary stages the production
Where is the production staged?
Theatre Calgary is staging the production at the Max Bell Theatre inside the Werklund Centre.
When does the run conclude?
Performances continue through October 25.
Who designed the plant puppet?
The Calgary puppet company Green Fools, led by Dean Bareham, constructed the Audrey 2 puppet used in the show.