Winchester Co-Op Theater Presents "Little Shop of Horrors"

Last week the Winchester Co-Op Theater held its performance of Little Shop of Horrors at Lincoln Elementary School. The Winchester cast of kids were aged14 and under.

The show was an upbeat, lively musical that kept the audience of some 100 members clapping and cheering throughout. The cast of over 40 kids shined, but the true stand-outs were the four leads.

Brendan Pulsifer brought a funny look and fantastic falsetto to the role of Seymour, paired with the musically talented Sarah Warrick playing his love interest, Audrey. Michael Ragone had some funny lines and a good song in Mushnik and Son, playing the gruff Mr. Mushnik. Orin the Dentist, played by Jack O'Donnell, also added a lot of yucks to the show, as did Jackson Cedrone, the voice behind the killer plant, Audrey II.

"I used to be in the show, going into third grade is when you can go into the program," said Director and Emerson college student Matt Leavis. "We also do spring and fall plays. Starting last year, I started directing shows. We do smaller shows at the beginning of the month. The shows are based around teaching the kids drama skills, working with music and dance, then we put all our efforts into the show and make it what it is."

Leavis then commented on what its like working for the Co-Op Theater and the experience of working with children.

"It's really good. Honestly, I love doing theater; I love doing shows. But I really love coming back and doing shows with the kids, it's really rewarding to see them progress and grow year after year."

Leavis has been studying drama and helping with the theater for over 15 years

"I've done close to 20 shows, whether being in it, or working behind the scenes," Leavis said. "I'm primarily interested in directing and being behind the scenes now, doing the scenery and the props, everything involved with the art."

This communal aspect and the fact that so many children and adults continue to support the shows every year is what keeps the Winchester Co-Op Theater running. The Co-Op itself was founded in 1979 to give elementary school children the chance to participate in a true theatrical experience. In 1990, the program expanded to include a middle school production. The staff consists of accomplished drama coaches and actors, musicians, choreographers, stage and costume and lighting designers.

The crew behind this production was Producer TJ Donaldson, Music Director, Jess Haggett, Choreographer, Beth Kennedy, all headed by Production Manager, Cathy Alexander.