Little Shop gets an A (in my book)

Just saw Little Shop last night. My expectations were somewhat low after some of the reviews from other members here on the board (although several of my friends who have seen it raved). I am happy to report I thought the show was fantastic and I had a great night out at the theater.
I don't know if Kerry Butler has changed her take on Audrey since previews started (maybe she's reading these boards) but I felt she brought a lot of heart to Audrey. I loved her Somewhere That's Green. Sure, it starts off being played for laughs, but by the end of the song she really sells it. In fact, she even cried. Very sweet. I'm also happy to say I didn't see shades of Penny in her performance. I thought her mannerisms were completely different and she made Audrey a seperate character from Penny. If anything, I felt she was trying to copy Ellen Greene at points, but for the most part I thought she made the character her own.
Hunter Foster was fine as Seymour. I prefer Rick Moranis' more sensitive take on the role in the movie (I never saw it off-broadway so I can't compare). I thought there were times when he came off more like a psychotic hunter (no pun intended). But, for the most part I enjoyed his performance.
The supporting cast is fantastic all around. I never used to be a fan of Doug Sills but he changed my mind after seeing him last night. I loved his rendition of "Dentist". He played a sicko-sadist very well indeed. I also really liked his "Now (it's just the gas)" which is a song I always felt fell flat in other poductions of the show I have seen.
And the urchins!! Loved them!! All three of them are making their broadway debut, and you can almost feel their excitement about being on a broadway stage.
I also really enjoyed the set design, and lighting. I especially like the lightening effects etc.
And let's not forget Audrey II. The plant delivers on every level. Kudos to the puppeteers and designers who gave Audrey II the ablity to express emotion just by moving it's big plant head around. And when the plant makes it out into the audience at the end...it's spectacular.
I really haven't enjoyed a show this much in a while. And since we have been talking about audience reaction so much recently..I have to say that the audience was roaring with approval last night. In fact, I haven't heard that much laughter and applause since I saw The Producers. And no...people were not running in line to get tix again after the show...but I did notice a line of people filling out pre-order forms for the soundtrack. They need to get a credit card machine in there though...I wanted to buy something but they said they had no phone line to take credit cards.
Well...I would like to write more..about the others in the supporting cast, choreography etc..but I actually have work to do now.
Ciao!

Updated On: 9/30/03 at 11:40 AM

Douglas was very good in Scarlett Pimpernel.

Now Now, He may not be a shill. He has been a member since May.

Or Maybe not....

It was a joke Erik I should have put a lol or a

All of Donald Holder's work is amazing! I wish I could see this show.

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It's nice to finally see a thread about Little Shop that doesn't intail ripping the show or the actors to shreds. I saw little shop for the second time this past Saturday. There are some very noticeable differences in the show both in direction and characterization. I enjoyed it the first time and it was even better this time. People seemed more into there roles this time not that they weren't last time. But it was like they found how exactly what they want to bring to there parts and work them well. I was front row center this time so it's was easier seeing facial expressions and actually see Kerry in tears during both Some Where That's Green and Suddenly Seymour just makes your heart get involved in the otherwise comedic story line. I feel it's a Great show and That it is going to do well.

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I'm many things but NOT a hypocrite. I said I was going to shut up until the reviews come out. When that happens, I'll feel free to revist this topic. Besides, I've (we've) all beat this horse senseless.

WE BEAT IT SENSELESS?

WE?

as in WE??

LOL!!!!

Yes, as in the lockjawed British "we".

Biggins....a rip off of what?

Although I still will never know why Alice Ripley was fired, because Kerry cant even stay on key, I loved the show over all. The best for me was the three divas!! Especially the one who starts off "Downtown". Her energy and belt were amazing. I am just wondering how long they will hold out without loosing there voices. Training or not, no one can belt like that 8 times a week. And they only have 1 understudy for all three? That also shocked me.

Sheekala...
I somewhat agree with you about the chemistry between Audrey and Seymour in this production. But I think any feeling of lack of chemistry comes from Hunter's end. I think he chose to portray a more angry Seymour. To me he comes off as one of those people who's sick of his current situation and could go postal any minute. I didn't feel it was cartoonish...but like I said I prefer a more sympathetic Seymour like he's portrayed in the film.

Yep Sheekala...we agree...well at least half agree. Hunter does change the tone of Suddenly Seymour..but I still think Kerry sings it with a lot of heart. In fact, I think it made me feel a little more for Audrey. Here's this girl who finally thinks she met this nice guy who is going to take care of her..but he's actualy a raging psychopath. Which no matter how sympathetic Seymour is played..he's still someone who is capable of chopping people into bits and feeding their insides to a man-eating plant.