NORTHFIELD — Pioneer Valley Regional School’s iteration of the famous dark comedy musical “Little Shop of Horrors” will have its online debut on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1.
To view the show, which will premiere at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, visit: showtix4u.com/events/21334. Tickets are free, with an option to donate by “crediting ticket sales” in the name of a member of the cast/crew.
“Little Shop of Horrors” is a rock musical, set inside a flower shop, Mushnik’s Skid-Row Florists. The story follows employee Seymour, played by Anthony McNamara, as he tries to win the affection of his coworker Audrey, played by Kelseigh Sargent, while taking care of a mysterious talking plant that brings fame to the local florist shop. The only problem — the plant, which Seymour names Audrey II, survives by eating human flesh and blood.
Some audience members may be familiar with some version of “Little Shop of Horrors,” either through a theater production or the 1986 movie. Student Jonathan Bodenstein said he had watched the movie version of “Little Shop of Horrors” with his mom, who is a fan of the play.
“The end of the movie version is very different,” Jonathan said. “They end up living their happily ever after, and Audrey and Seymour end up getting to live together and be happy. In this, it’s a much more grim and darker ending.”
Anthony agreed, noting that most of the characters are in for trouble in the play. He said Seymour keeps trying to satisfy the ever-growing, talking plant as things get out of control.
Speaking to the themes and lessons woven into the story, Anthony and Kelseigh said it’s important not take what you have for granted or become so blinded by greed and fame that you can’t see how you may be hurting those around you.
“Seymour wanted to feel included … just to be recognized by people,” said Ella Rowan-Decker, who voices the plant, Audrey II. “He’s thinking, ‘Maybe this is a way. If I take care of this plant, I can have all the things I want.’”
Ella said that while Seymour may get some quick fame, he can’t see the effects it has on those around him.
“The plant, every time Seymour fed it, would bring him more fame,” she said. “He would be on TV shows and everybody would love him, but it was hurting people in the process and he doesn’t really notice it as much at first because he’s just so excited to be famous.”
While touching upon serious issues of greed, poverty and domestic violence, the quirky characters and musical numbers in “Little Shop of Horrors” leave the audience with plenty of laughs and fun to be had.
Students have been conducting rehearsals and filming their scenes together via Zoom, with Pioneer English teacher and Theater Director Brian Campbell assembling footage for the premiere. While most scenes were filmed at home with students interacting over Zoom, Campbell said some scenes using the plant puppet were filmed in person at school. He also noted that twins Kelseigh and Avery Sargent were able to film together for a dream sequence in the production.
Kelseigh Sargent said that while students weren’t all together in person, rehearsing virtually was still a nice way to socialize with her peers in the theater community. She said it was an interesting experience to record herself at home, and be able to take her time performing and recording the songs as opposed to conducting a full run-through of the play each night.
“Instead of having to memorize songs along with your lines, you just had to send in your recording of the song and some editing magic does it’s thing,” Jonathan commented.
While an “interesting change of pace” from the usual process, students said they are still looking forward to a return to more normal theater productions.
“I’m glad we were still able to make something happen, but I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we would like to get back to where we were at before COVID hit,” Jonathan said.
“I’d definitely agree with that,” Anthony chimed in. “In theater, the whole main reason I joined is that there’s a thrill of seeing a crowd in front of you and seeing the reaction to the lines and the story itself.”
“Live performances just have their own special feeling,” Avery Sargent added. “It’s definitely different to not have the energy of being on stage with other people.”
While looking forward to in-person productions again, Campbell said his pupils are excited to share this uniquely produced show.
“Even though this has been a difficult year, and COVID restrictions have stopped us from doing live theater … I think this is going to be good, and it stands on its own,” Campbell said. “Hopefully this is one of the only times anyone has to do a play like this, but at the same time I think this is an interesting and unique product that I don’t think I’ve seen done before.”
■Anthony McNamara — Seymour Krelborn
■Kelseigh Sargent — Audrey
■Jonathan Bodenstein — Orin Scrivello
■Ella Rowan-Decker — Audrey II (voice)
■Avery Sargent — Ronnette
■Bryanna May — Chiffon
■Mia Fowler-Shaw — News reporter and street urchin
■Annie Strysky — Mushnik
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.