Musical Cast and Crew Bring "Audrey II" to Life 

The leafy lead in the upper school musical is sassy, soulful—and insatiable. On stage and behind the scenes, it takes a tremendous amount of work and talent to bring "Little Shop of Horrors" to the life.
 
Filled with song, dance and diabolical laughs, "Little Shop of Horrors" follows humble flower shop assistant Seymour (Deuce Chanos, sophomore) and his discovery of a mysterious—and carnivorous—plant (Sanjeev Adma, senior) that changes his life forever. Audiences can expect plenty of fun, light frights, a little romance and, of course, a villainous vine with plans for world domination.

Work to bring the show to life began with rehearsals in August, as students honed their acting, vocal and dance performances. As Audrey, senior Mimi Wood belts out one of the show's best-know numbers, "Suddenly, Seymour," with backup from the Greek chorus of Crystal (Gia Khan, grade 8), Ronnette (Giselle Potts, senior) and Chiffon (Shambavi Narayanan, grade 8). The cast also includes juniors Roland Kaufman as Mr. Mushnick and Quincy Stribling as Orin. The versatile ensemble includes Talia Dreher, Matt Doss, Ali Wood (juniors), Finn Higgins, Logan McDole (sophomores), Cordelia Wilson (freshman) and  Lilly Lea (grade 8). 

Backstage, student technicians, costumers and prop makers have been creating the lighting, perfecting the sound and engineering special effects that complete the production. These elements are crucial to setting the show's campy, comic style. Along with effects that make Audrey II cartoonishly menacing, props and sets are central to the storyline; they establish the gritty Skid Row neighborhood and flower shop where Audrey II goes from a charming little plant to a power-hungry alien life form.

Elliott Clement (senior) is stage manager and Carlos Salazar (senior) is crew head, with sound crew Cayden Crosby (senior) and Stella Rosenthal (grade 8), lighting crew Eli Roller (grade 8), costume designer Charlotte Turner (junior), and Fin Geraghty (sophomore), Edward Judge (junior), Cole Mueller (junior), Skye Mueller (grade 8), Rowan Platt (junior) and Olivia Taffe (senior) lending their talents to the production.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is directed by Bob Kohler, Performing Arts Department Chair, with choral music direction by Dr. Josh Markley and choreography by Heather Lewallen. "Little Shop of Horros" is Oct. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale here. Admission is free for Barstow students but you must reserve a seat in advance.
 
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    • Audrey II is a colorful character, but the entire cast and crew make "Little Shop" come to life.

    • Mimi Wood is Audrey and Deuce Chanos is Seymour.

    • Sanjeev Adma is The Plant and Roland Kaufman is Mr. Mushnik

    • Quincy Stribling is Orin and Shambavi Narayanan is Chiffon.

    • the Greek chorus, with Giselle Potts, and ensemble members.

    • Cayden Crosby and Eli Roller create the atmosphere in light and sound.

    • Members of the cast and crew in the Green Room, where costumes, props and sets are being perfected for the show.

    • Props include these mini-Audreys, handcrafted by by the crew.

    • Choreographer Heather Lewellen works with Seymour and Audrey.

    • Rehearsals began in August for the Oct. 16-18 upper school musical, "Little Shop of Horrors."