South’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ sows tuneful terror

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Who knew that potted plants could be so menacing?

An evil plant tricks a nerdy, down-on-his-luck florist into doing its bidding in the dark musical comedy “Little Shop of Horrors,” being staged by Grosse Pointe South High School students at 7 p.m. April 25 and 26, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 27, at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center at Grosse Pointe North High School in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Senior Ashton Fell, of Grosse Pointe Farms, plays the dentist, a cruel and abusive character with a nitrous oxide addiction who the actor said is “a bad person” and “over the top.” Fell has been in South’s last three musicals and, like the other seniors in the cast, this is his high school stage swan song.

Despite the dark elements of “Little Shop of Horrors,” Fell said it’s “a really funny show.”

“The music is really good and it’s fun to listen to,” Fell said.

The show is directed by South English and drama teacher Daniel DeMarco, with musical direction by Carolyn Gross. DeMarco said audiences not familiar with the show or the movies of the same name should expect the unexpected.

“They’re entering a very strange world, but it’s a lot of fun,” DeMarco said. “There’s comedy, romance, drama, science fiction, great characters, songs you’ll sing when you leave. And it’s a really fun story. It’s a unique experience in musical theater.”

The rock musical — with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and book by Howard Ashman — encompasses a range of musical styles as well, with everything from doo-wop to island vibes in the songs, DeMarco said.

He said the cast is bringing lots of energy to the production, and even the most seemingly minor characters make a strong impression.

“Everybody is a definitive character in the story,” DeMarco said.

An all-knowing chorus known as the Urchins provide narration. The Urchins are named Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal — a nod to 1960s “girl groups.” Junior Allie Thomas, of Grosse Pointe City, plays Chiffon; sophomore Violet King, of Grosse Pointe Farms, plays Ronette; and freshman Reese Straske, of Grosse Pointe Farms, plays Crystal. The three are also members of South’s choir, and they’re drawing from that experience to sing parts and harmonize with one another.

“It’s a very heavy singing role,” King said.

Thomas said they had to read the sheet music to learn the songs.

“We have a lot of experience singing harmonies,” Thomas said. “We have to use what we know from choir” to play these characters.

They described the Urchins as sassy and spunky.

“It’s fun to bring your own style to the characters but keep them similar,” Straske said.

Like a Greek chorus, the Urchins play a pivotal role in the show for the audience.

“They kind of tell the story. … We’re kind of letting the audience in on what’s happening,” Thomas said.

Like others in the cast, Thomas, Straske and King said the music is stong and the story is compelling.

Because of some of the more mature and eerie themes in “Little Shop of Horrors,” it’s not recommended for young children.

The Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center is at Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. For tickets or more information, visit gpsouthchoir.org.