'Little Shop of Horrors' at BHS

Audiences will be taken downtown to “Skid Row” this weekend as nearly 50 students from Broadneck High School perform “Little Shop of Horrors” on March 8-10 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m.

The musical centers around a nerdish florist (played by Broadneck senior Pace McConkie) who finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant demanding to be fed (played by Broadneck senior Malcolm Jones).

“I love the songs,” said McConkie during a recent all day rehearsal. “They are perfect for my range so I am not as nervous. I am having a lot of fun and I think audiences will, too.”

Jones said playing the man-eating plant has its advantages. “I get to be sassy and mean and no one can do anything about it,” he said.

Playing Seymour’s love interest, Audrey, is Broadneck senior Paige Miller, an experienced actress in Annapolis area community theater. Her character is terrorized by a sadistic dentist played by Mark Hollerbach.

“It puts a strain on your acting skills to be that terrible,” said Hollerbach. “But I enjoyed the challenge.”

The show has been adapted to include more performing opportunities of the talented cast. The familiar female trio of the show has changed to a group of four couples who narrate and keep the show moving.

“The kids have had a lot of fun learning the 60’s doo-wap style,” said Music Director Andrew Lincoln. “They are really connecting with this American style of music.”

Broadneck Choral Director Valerie Bennett agreed. “This is a much more light hearted show than last year’s classic ‘West Side Story,’” she said. “We laugh all the time.

Tickets are $11 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or can be ordered for will call with a form that is online at www.broadneck.org.