Actors recently took to the stage at the Alliance High School to perform the musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” acting out the story of a unique plant that is hungry for more than plant food.
Karena Soriano directed the production, stating that she was looking to channel the spirit of the hit movie in the performance.
“I really wanted to do a show that the kids would enjoy and that was a little more gritty, but also had fabulous music,” said Soriano. “The music is really catchy. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was one of my favorite movies as a kid. It was really fun to watch, and I thought the kids would love to perform it. I’m really proud of how well they’ve done.”
The cast for the production included Chris Stein as the exposition voice, Peytann Lunbery as Ronnette, Avenell Soriano as Crystal and the voice of Audrey II, Aaron Behrends as Mushnik, Ryleigh Mashburn as Seymour, Karlena Heredia as Audrey, Mark Soriano as a Customer, Ryggin Meyer as Orin, Bernstein, Patrick, Snip and Luce. Kyla Loper served as the puppeteer for Audrey II.
Avenell explained that she played multiple parts because she wanted to help out as much as she could.
“I wasn’t expecting to have an actual stage part because I was originally doing Audrey II, the plant, and you’re behind stage for most of that because it’s a puppet. I had fun doing both parts.”
Loper said operating Audrey II on stage was a fun challenge to undertake.
“I learned the lines two weeks before opening night so it was kind of hard,” Loper said. “But it was a lot of fun. I like putting personality into the plant because it’s fun to do. I’m usually not on stage. I’m usually behind stage moving set and stuff.”
Heredia drew on her experience in choir to bring the character of Audrey to life.
“Being able to perform this role where there’s so many vocal changes and different types of songs that Audrey sings was a dream come true to even be able to receive the role,” Heredia said. “I would just prepare every day and every night to sing the songs, to play the role. The character is a lot different than what I usually play, so being able to step out of my comfort zone a little bit and play someone new was really fun for me. I’m grateful that I got to perform this character.”
Taking on the role of Seymour was a bit of a change for Mashburn as she was originally slated to play the demented dentist, Orin.
“Unfortunately, we had a kid drop, so I took over the role of Seymour Krelborn and luckily, I can sing kind of low,” said Mashburn. “We did have to change some of the songs so I was still in range. It was really fun. He’s kind of like this nerdy guy, but toward the end he just loses it and goes crazy. Everybody loves to play a fun little character once in a while. The nerdy part comes pretty easy for me. I love this role. It’s so much fun.”
Avenell’s favorite part of the production was performing the “Feed Me” song.
Heredia said her favorite part was performing the song “Somewhere That’s Green.”
“That song changed me completely,” Heredia said. “I ended up performing that song for the District Music Contest, last minute because I just loved the song so much.”
Mashburn said that she had many favorite parts of the musical, but that her favorite was singing “Git It” with Audrey II and “Mushnik and Son” with Mushnik.
“I get to dance around stage with Mr. Mushnik, which is fun,” said Mashburn. “He’s also my teacher. It’s a very fun song.”
Loper said her favorite part of the play was anytime Audrey II ate anyone. She explained that to operate the puppet, she was seated on a bench and that there was an open area in Audrey II’s mouth for the performers to lay in as they were consumed by the plant.
Karena encourages future generations of students to give acting a try, no matter how scary it may be.
“Sometimes something is really scary, but you jump in and discover a talent you never knew you had,” said Karena. “You make great friends and you are able to participate in an activity that can bring out things that you never thought would be possible. Try something new and don’t be afraid.”
Avenell noted that the stage fright does not last forever, noting that as long as people practice their lines, they will do well.
Heredia said that it may be overwhelming at first, but that performing on the stage is worth it. She said it is worth it for the memories alone. Mashburn echoed Heredia’s advice, noting that she has had many great experiences acting that will live with her always. Loper advised future generations of actors to not care what other people think, and to give theatre a try.
Karena said that she has not decided on a performance for next year, but she is already searching for options. She noted that she has been wanting to write something to perform, but that she may decide to go with another script. She said that she will decide on the One Act script over the summer.
Heredia mentioned that for anyone who would like a behind the scenes look at their performances, they can follow them on Instagram at @AllianceHighTheater.
