Additional Photos/Accolades

Once On This Island directed by Billy Porter

Lance Roberts, Bryan Terrell Clark, Darina Littleton, Leslie Odom, Jr., Ledisi, Nicolette Robinson, Kristolyn Lloyd, Vanita Harbour, Brian Chandler

Akron Beacon Journal

Theater Review: 'Little Shop' more than a little fun at Porthouse Theatre

Kerry Clawson, Akron Beacon Journal

Wed, June 22, 2022 at 6:00 AM EDT

For a really campy treat, head to Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls for the famously fun, comedy sci-fi musical "Little Shop of Horrors."

The musical, which kicks of Porthouse Theatre's 54th season, features a tight cast of nine including Kent State University students, recent grads and other professionals. It's a colorful celebration of the horror musical as well as early rock, doo-wop and Motown, based on the 1960 film by Roger Corman and Charles Griffith.

Director Terri Kent hits all the right notes with her cast, led by Morgan Mills as the nebbishly lovable Seymour. He works at a shabby flower shop on Skid Row, where he explores his hobby of discovering exotic plants.

All of the relationships in this story are cartoonish, including the one between boss Mr. Mushnik (Timothy Culver) and his formerly down-and-out employee Seymour. Character actor Culver brings the tune "Mushnik & Son" to vaudevillian heights when both he and Mills execute a dance reference to "Fiddler on the Roof," complete with a waving hanky.

That stroke of humor comes thanks to choreographer Martin Cespedes, who also brings classic girl band moves to the show's three urchins: Chiffon (Jocelyn Trimmer), Crystal (Israeljah Khi-Reign) and Ronette (Hannah Hall). He created this trio's movement in the style of The Shirelles and The Supremes.

The urchin actresses, all KSU students, serve as the ever-present Greek chorus as they move the story along while singing awesome harmonies.

In this comedy horror musical, Seymour buys a Venus' flytrap-type plant from a Chinese man for $1.95. He soon finds out that the plant, which he names Audrey II after his human crush, is carnivorous and thrives only on human blood.

Audrey II brings color, excitement and fame for Seymour. And as the plant grows to monstrous proportions, Seymour become increasingly desperate to satisfy its insatiable appetite.

Robert Miller and Brian Chandler are the magic-makers behind the Audrey II puppet. Miller's the puppeteer who manipulates Audrey II's huge mouth with its pointy teeth. Bass Chandler, who teaches theater at the University of Akron, thrills when he finally gives voice to Audrey II's bloodlust in "Git It."