I caught this yesterday. This Little Shop of Horrors is the EPITOME of how this show should be done. It is rare to find a production of any show these days that is absolute perfection from top to bottom, but what’s happening at the Westside Theatre right now is so flawless and impeccable that it’s nothing short of magic.
That cast knocks it out of the park. Jonathan Groff’s Seymour is boyish, clumsy, awkward, yet still endearing and charming beyond belief. Christian Borle is menacing, terrifying, and hilarious all at the same time. Unfortunately, Tammy Blanchard was out, but Chelsea Turbin’s Audrey was incredible. There was no “ditz” in her portrayal. She played Audrey as a very real woman who has just been beaten down by life.
The show REALLY benefits from being in a small space. The production feels intimate, and no matter which seat you are in, you are guaranteed a great view and a close connection to the action. The puppetry for Audrey II was great. The set and lighting design were simple, but top notch.
This Little Shop demands to be seen. Little Shop is one of the few shows I consider to be perfectly written and constructed, and seeing a perfect production of an already perfect show is such a treat. I would go so far as to say this is the best piece of theatre I have seen this year. It’s very rare and surprising to come across something so genuinely perfect.
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