Theatre--Review

Based on a cult classic film of the same name, Little Shop Of Horrors at the Essanee Theatre in New Iberia is a variation on the Faust legend as scored by Motown. The music by Alan Menken is catchy and the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman are clever and rather downbeat if you pay attention. The plot concerns the Oliver Twist-like Seymour Krelbourn who works as a virtual slave in a skid row flower shop owned by Mr. Mushnik. Seymour loves from afar his lovely coworker, Audrey, who has issues of her own. She is in a codependent relationship with a gas-sniffing sadist who has become a dentist on the theory that if you do what you love, you'll never have to work. And then--a mysterious plant comes into Seymour's possession and everything changes....

The set is uncredited which is a shame. It is very clever and the sliding panels used for the shop front are handled very well by the crew. The scene changes look very professional. Lighting by Michael Caffrey, Sr. is very evocative and the painting of a cityscape which can be seen on the back wall of the stage above the set is very effective. The sound team and light operators are sharp as can be and make the show look and sound effortless. Julie Kilgore's costumes and makeup are well-chosen and give everyone a distinctive look.

Director Donald Voorhies has assembled an excellent cast and is ably abetted by a fine orchestra under the baton of Mr. Bob Morgan. The singing is first-rate and the choreography is kept simple and to the point.

Little Shop rises or falls on the talents of Seymour and Audrey, the star-crossed lovers. Evan Melancon is perfect as Seymour. He has a pleasant voice and phenomenal timing. He engages our sympathy even in the process of committing some pretty heinous acts. Kim Monroe is a cross between Betty Boop and Barbie with a fine voice and appealing stage presence. As Orin Scrivello, DDS (darned deranged sadist) Brett LeBlanc manages to be unapologetically nasty and funny--while singing in a plastic bubble helmet!

Able support is provided by Michael Caffrey, Sr. as Mushnik and Jennifer Delcambre, Jenny Gonsoulin and Jacqueline McCarthy as the girl group who act as a sort of Greek Chorus. Travis Guillory is a standout in multiple roles.

This is a first rate show with no weak parts. The large chorus creates the world of a fantasy skid row and populates with characters we believe belong in that world. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and my hat is off to everyone involved. This is another don't miss show and it only runs this weekend and next. Get your reservations now or hate yourself when the chance has passed.

--Walter Brown