Audrey II Comes to Life in FTE’s Little Shop of Horrors

It is a classic love story of boy meets girl—and a flesh-eating plant. The homicidal house plant will come to life as the Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble presents its most ambitious show to date, “Little Shop of Horrors,” running downtown from April 14 through April 23.

The musical, by frequent Disney collaborators Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin) tells the tale of Seymour and Audrey. The two work in a run-down flower shop, and both want something more out of life. Seymour, played by Abdel Hamid Shebata, is shy and lonely and wants to be loved, while Audrey, portrayed by Allyson Dodson McCormick, wants to break her seemingly-endless string of Mr. Wrongs.

Audrey II, an innocent-looking houseplant, appears to be the answer to both their problems. Audrey II is no shrinking violet though. In fact, Audrey II is a carnivorous alien. Rather than Miracle Gro and sunshine, Audrey II thrives on human flesh.

The plant has a gargantuan appetite for its special food, and grows dramatically. Seymour and Audrey II become local celebrities, as fans flock to the flower shop to see the amazing specimen. In addition to providing Seymour with the attention he craves, the plant creates a unique solution to its namesake’s problem with an abusive boyfriend.

The show features dark comedy and engaging musical numbers. A doo-wop Greek drama-style chorus also introduces and provides running commentary on this tragicomic cautionary tale of being incredibly careful about what one wishes for.

The production also showcases a remarkable Audrey II puppet. Audrey II is so unique that it takes two people to bring her to life. Shenandoah Iem voices the ravenous plant, while FTE veteran Doy Demsick is the puppeteer behind Audrey II’s physical quest for world domination. Demsick laughed that he will never be the same after being Audrey II, noting that "it’s less about being a flesh-eating monster who devours cast mates and more about being able to stand up straight afterward.”

FTE will present Little Shop of Horrors at the Allstate Community Theater in the 810 Caroline Street building in downtown Fredericksburg. Shows are on Friday and Saturday evenings April 14-15 and 21-22, and Sunday matinees will be performed on April 16 and 23. Tickets are available at fredericksburgtheatre.org.