Tonight’s the night the curtains go up at the Mushnik Flower Shop where all sorts of, well, literal horrors unfold when Ossining High School Drama presents “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The production, which tells the story of a devious plant and its impact on the community around it, is the first in-person show since the theater went dark in 2019 due to COVID-19. The cast and crew were thrilled to be back, with many seniors relishing their last time in the spotlight at OHS in a production that was fun to do for both the cast and crew.
“There is a high technical element,” stage manager Kylah Nee said about the show, which incorporates a giant puppet. “Also, the time period is the 60’s. We had a lot of fun with the costumes. It’s a distinct story, there is definitely a twist at the end.”
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“It is really nice to put on a classic and a crowd favorite,” Director Jessica Beattie said of this year’s choice of musical. “Working with students, I knew they would enjoy it.”
For Jacob Boatman, who plays Seymour, interacting with a large puppet in the role of Audrey II was a new experience for everyone. In early rehearsals, he said, the cast got used to looking in the general direction of where the puppet would be until it arrived on set.
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“Then you looked over and had a huge plant you were interacting with,” Jacob said, adding the cast had to relearn how to act with this object.
The puppets of Audrey II used in the production are from the original off-Broadway show, Ms. Beattie said.
“It’s a very different story,” said Brooke Fendrich, who plays Audrey.
“I was really shocked, (in a good way), this was not what I was expecting,” she said as she researched the show by watching the movie.
The experience was rewarding for many participants, who were together again after an extended period. Although the Drama Club put on a show outdoors and hosted a virtual production, being back in the theater, all together, was a great experience. Many cast members said being a part of the drama club is something they will always remember about their time at OHS.
“This the first time we get to socialize together,” said Kylah. “We could create a family again.”
The OHS Drama Club presentation of “Little Shop of Horrors,” opens tonight, March 31 at 7 p.m., with shows also on April 1 and April 2 at 7 p.m., at Ossining High School, 29 South Highland Ave. There is free limited admission, and donations are welcome.
