The Red Devil Dramatics program debuted their rendition of “Little Shop of Horrors” on April 19, and performed the show through the weekend.
The scary but fun musical showcased a talented cast, with intricate stage blocking and choreography.
“Little Shop of Horrors” follows the character Seymour, played by senior JT Mozes, as he struggles to keep feeding his strange and usual plant. Amid his struggle, he dedicates himself to his female love interest; Audrey, played by senior Arianna Alvarez, as he goes to extreme lengths to protect her from any sort of danger.
RV’s little shop was perfectly appropriately cast. Alvarez’s ability to truly embody Audrey, from the accent to the body language, was incredible to watch. Alvarez stated that playing her role was “a lot of practice and a lot of hard work but [she] is proud how far it came.”
“It’s definitely a really great feeling,” said Mozes of his role. “I feel like I worked my way up every year. I started out with a smaller part and it just got bigger and bigger, so I’m glad I got to end my Red Devil dramatics career with the lead role.”
Moses and Alvarez were supported by a talented cast. Junior Bradley Fowler played a very expressional Mr. Musnick. Junior Paris Ford, the Voice of Audrey II, portrayed the flesh-eating plant with style and passion.
The cast also included the double casted Urchins spots which included Crystal played by sophomore Gabriela Quevedo and junior Sarah Swanson, Ronnette played by seniors Violet Bolyard and Lyndsey Finsen, and finally Chiffon played by junior Lily Mount and senior Brianna Schenk. The cast also had a powerful ensemble, crew, and pit to help perform the show.
One of the most impressive aspects of the musical was the blocking and staging. The stage presence amongst the actors was impressive and the distinct difference between the outside world and inside the shop was amazingly executed. The actors’ blocking was well done throughout. Compared to the past musicals RV Devils Dramatics performed the blocking in this musical was the best, even comparable to professional renditions of the musical.
Another impressive aspect of the musical was the set. The set included a full flower shop, stairs to an upstairs balcony, and the most impressive component; the Audrey II plant. Senior Evan Angradi puppeteered the Audrey II plant and the massive plants always took with the audience, each time hearing a unified gasp upon the reveal at each show I went to.
“Little Shop of Horrors” was an impressive performance by the Red Devil dramatics, and coming off of their performance of “She Kills Monsters” there is no telling what is to come as the program only gets stronger.
