The Milwaukee Post

16 • Milwaukee Post • July 5, 2013 Fireside's 'Little Shop' will keep you engaged Love story filled with many twists and laughs By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic FORT ATKINSON – "Little Shop of Horrors," now on tap at Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, made its debut in 1960 as a cult movie, and in 1982 opened OffBroadway to become a big hit. It has subsequently been performed at professional, community and high school theaters across the country . It is difficult to characterize this show. It is hard to figure out just what the writers had in mind. Is it a satire on the typical American musical, a campy version of the down-and-out anti-hero, a dark fantasy a , diatribe against the price one pays for greed? It's anyone's guess, but its mystery does not in any way diminish its enjoyment. The story the music, the unusual , plant, the characters – all hold us entranced. The setting is a flower shop in the heart of skid row. Mr. Mushnik's floral business is in a slump due to its location. Seymour and Audrey are two of his hapless employees. Seymour is a lovable nerd who likes to experiment with plants. He is also secretly in love with Audrey who , is a beautiful blond ditz and who prefers the company of an abusive, sadistic dentist. The lifechanging event for all the characters Submitted photo occurs when, quite by acciJustin Brill portrays Seymour dent, Seymour creKrelborn in "Little Shop of ates a strange version of the Horrors." fly-trap, which he names Audrey II as a tribute to his secret love. He soon discovers that the plant needs human blood to prosper. He also learns of its domineering ways, its gigantic size and its insatiable demands. But on the bright side, the plant soon becomes a curiosity item and brings a boom in business to Mr. Mushnik and fame and fortune to Seymour. We follow Seymour's change in status When Summer REALLY Hits, Will You Be Ready? 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Get Up To $1,000 in Cash Back with Tax Credits* On a NEW Carrier high efficiency heating and cooling system. Whether service or a replacement, you can trust your family's summer indoor comfort with our NATE Certified technicians. From left, Justin Brill as Seymour Krelborn, Selah Grace as Audrey and Bob Amaral at Mr. Mushnik perform a scene from "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson. with a prurient fascination. A trio of singers, who almost function as a Greek chorus, is used throughout the story to emphasize the drama and warn us of what might be in store for the characters. Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette, played by Roslyn Seale, Janelle Neal and Robyn DeGuzman, respectively are an important , presence and contribute consistent musicality . Chris White is Audrey II's voice, and Yoav Levine is the puppeteer who provides her movements. Both are effective. The prop itself is quite compelling, and they moved her around enough so as not to block sight lines in the theater-in-the-round space. Set design in a theater of this makeup can be a challenge. Give Rick Rasmussen credit for this one. The four main characters are all excellent. I shall mention Ryan Knowles first because he effectively played multiple characters with skill and credibility In his main . role as the sadistic dentist, he was especially good at evincing our disgust. Mr. Mushnik, played by Bob Amaral, had that hangdog look about him, and only came alive when his own personal interest took a turn for the better. He is the second least At a glance Directed by Ed Flesch with musical direction by Mary Ehlinger,"Little Shop of Horrors" runs through July 14 at the Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson. For show times and tickets, call 800-477-9505 or visit www.firesidetheatre.com. lovable character. The two main leads – Seymour (Justin Brill) and Audrey (Selah Grace) are very well-cast. We wanted Seymour to get the beautiful girl, we understood his quandary and even though we didn't always agree with his decisions, we still were on his side. Audrey the poor misguided woman (and , there are many of them just like her) evokes our sympathies, as well. Their rendition of "Suddenly Seymour" and "Somewhere That's Green" are the best tunes in the show. The telephone scene when business is booming is also very welldone. Their timing is perfect. Overall, the show is entertaining, and though it is not to be taken too seriously it , does point up how easily things can get out of control, and how something that seems harmless at first can destroy us. West Allis Players present 'Seussical' this month D&M Heating and Air Conditioning Post Staff 4227 S. 13th St. Milwaukee WEST ALLIS – The West Allis Players will celebrate Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday with a presentation of "Seussical, The Musical" in July . The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. July 19, 414-281-5350 "At Your Service" www.dmheating.com • Prompt, professional service since 1979 *Up to $500 tax credit + $500 for furnace and A/C from WFOE and WE Energies reward. Photo by xxx 233161097 July 20, July 26 and July 27, and at 2 p.m. July 28, at the West Allis Central High School Auditorium, 8516 W. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $20, $18 and $12 apiece. For more information, visit www.waplayers.org.

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