October has once again wrapped us in its chilly embrace, heralding the commencement of the ‘spooky season’. Around this time, Houston fires up its theatrical creativity and hosts a myriad of performances designed to thrill, chill, and entertain. This year, the apex of these performances is the brand new production, Little Shop of Horrors, presented by none other than Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS). Houstonians, prepare to satiate your taste for the macabre.
Little Shop of Horrors, a delectable feast of dread and horror delicately dipped in a musical broth, unveils a tale that is undeniably infectious. The narrative follows the journey of a young, seemingly ordinary shop worker named Seymour who stumbles upon a peculiar and rare plant. The presence of the plant promises to fulfil every desire Seymour yearns for, turning the drab reality of his life into a palette of vibrant colours. However, the tantalizing allure of the plant comes with its own set of challenges. As Seymour soon learns, not all that glitters is gold, and everything comes with a price.
The grandeur of the musical is slated to taste the first light of day on October 22nd at the Hobby Center where it will race one’s pulse until November 3rd. The organizers promise that the audience would be in for a wild and exciting journey into the unnerving yet mesmerizing universe of Little Shop of Horrors, a world where sinister plants not only grow but also sing. The show promises to be one that’ll leave an indelible mark on its spectators, delivering an out-of-the-world experience riding on the rhythm of horror and music.
In an exclusive preview, viewers were treated to a sneak peek of the eclectic musical, with dedicated members of the cast sharing their experiences. Among the talented cast are Turell Robins, the puppeteer responsible for breathing life into Audrey II, and Dion Simmons Grier, the voice behind Audrey II. Both of them were joined by the magnificent “Audrey II” herself, contributing to the vibrant performance that awaits the audience.
Audrey II has been devised as a character that maintains a firm stoic silence. Yet, Audrey never fails to express her energy, always leaving a significant impact on the narrative’s arch. Through Turell Robin’s genius puppeteering skills, Audrey II appears as a force to reckon with, commanding the plot like the ringmaster commands the circus. Audrey’s voice, provided by Dion Simmons Grier, manages to heighten the thrilling aura surrounding the character.
Undoubtedly, Little Shop of Horrors is more than just a play; it’s a carefully spun tapestry of dread and thrill, intermingled with catchy music that ensures horror never sounded sweeter before. The performance gears to push the boundaries of storytelling, promising a gripping narrative that will shake its audience to their core while leaving them humming to peppy tunes on their way back home.
As the city of Houston braces itself for a chilling yet fun-filled spree, the spellbinding spectacle of Little Shop of Horrors promises an unforgettable experience. Enigmatic characters, a captivating storyline, and an adrenaline-pumping musical score await in the enchanting world of the little shop. So, mark your calendars and be ready to submerge into a world where the intoxicating thrill of danger dances on the haunting symphony of music.
