Somewhere that's Green (Pandora Productions)

Little Shop of Horrors

Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Music by Alan Menken

Directed by Gil Reyes

A review by Kate Barry

Entire contents are copyright © 2024 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.

“Please, won't somebody say I'll get outta here. Someone gimme my shot or I'll rot here…” these hopeful lyrics sum up the deep desires of the characters from Little Shop of Horrors. With camp and B-movie tropes to spare, the current season opener at Pandora Productions leans deeply into the Faustian-tale’s sci-fi motif while focusing on themes of survival, trauma and resilience through a queer lens. And the music is full of familiar ear worms that are sure to delight any audience.

The gender blind cast rules the production with every comedic bit, song and heartfelt moment. Kate Holland Ballowe’s Seymour is a true hero. They bring comedic chops to the nerdy role as Seymour attempts to make a name for themself and win the girl of their dreams. Ballowe’s vocals fit nicely in “Grow for me” and “Suddenly Seymour,” a touching moment with Isaiah Archie’s Audrey. As the girl of Seymour’s dreams, Archie’s performance is heartbreaking as she is belittled and beaten by her sadistic boyfriend. Yet, Archie finds small beats to heighten the comedy whether it’s an eye twitch or a perfectly timed lip quiver during a song before dying. And this Audrey’s rendition of “Somewhere that’s green” is sweet as can be. What shines brightly between Ballowe and Archie’s lovers is this idea of loving yourself and finding someone who will love you for who you are on the inside. This is a Seymour and Audrey who have lived a hard life on Skid Row and experience a happy ending they both crave.

Don’t let the Audrey and Seymour’s love story fool you. Seymour and Audrey are quite lovely but I encourage you to see Little Shop for the evil man eating plant. And May O’Nays is a sight to be seen as the mysterious and sinister Audrey two. From the first moment on stage, May O’Nays brings their own fun spin on a seemingly innocent plant. Without giving away spoilers, this Audrey two is one sparkly “Mean green mother from Outer Space” you do not want to mess with. May O’Nays provides a strong vocal in “Feed Me (Git it)” that is equal parts ferocious and hungry for blood.

Inhabitants of Skid Row exist in a messy, broken down world which is represented by the junk, stoops and harsh city atmosphere. As Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon, Christina Booker, Marianne Zickuhr and Morgan Spaulding bring harmony to the show’s title song and clever one liners to everyone they meet. The three urchins provide sass and philosophical advice like any good Greek chorus should. Sharon Murray Harrah’s Mushnik is desperate as a floral shop owner yet weaves between English and Yiddish with ease. Remy Sisk’s appearance as Orin, the cruel dentist and Audrey’s boyfriend brims with comedy in such a villainous role. Sisk’s performance is physical and brutish with plenty of laughs and gasps.

This version of Little Shop of Horrors is an endearingly funny romp about people down on their luck with hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow. And there are plenty of surprises. Pandora Productions has crafted an entertaining fable about survival and love, complete with a big green plant.

Little Shop of Horrors Pandora Productions Aug 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 7:30pm Aug 11 and 25 at 5:30pm Aug 18 at 2:30pm Henry Clay Theater 604 S. Third Street Louisville KY 40202 pandoraprods.com