It’s the time of year when the Saint Viator’s theater department puts together their annual winter musical. For 58 years it’s been a beloved tradition amongst students, faculty, and members of the community. This year’s production has never been performed before and is entirely new to audiences and students alike. It is especially new to students who are performing and in the tech crew. Little Shop of Horrors written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken is a R&B musical primarily focusing on a meek little guy named Seymour Krelborn who works at a flower shop. One day he discovers a strange and interesting plant that he calls “Audrey 2”, after his work crush, and soon discovers Audrey 2’s intentions to take over the world. This show brings on a new set of challenges–a puppet. Audrey 2 Although a plant, she talks and moves to encourage Seymour’s wrong doings. And throughout the show the puppet grows from just a tiny baby to a huge enormous plant that takes up almost if not the entire shop. And many other productions–including the film and Broadway production –use a puppet to have Audrey 2 come to life. Viator is incredibly grateful to be able to rent the Audrey 2 puppets from MTI. Now to have these puppets truly come to life, vocally and physically, there are two students who voice and control Audrey 2. Junior Owen Kelly who is the voice of Audrey 2 expresses his thoughts on voicing the jazzy and man eating plant.
“Voicing Audrey II is a pretty unique acting experience because the audience can only hear my voice, so I have to put more effort into conveying emotion in my voice rather than using my facial expression or gestures. I’m having a lot of fun with the role, especially because of this uniqueness!” said Kelly.
Not only does Audrey II have to have a voice but she also has to move around, talk, and eat people. Sophomore Ben Stuber discusses how he controls the variety of plants.
”Being a puppeteer is something I would never have thought of doing on stage. As a puppeteer, I enjoy adding life to the show in an interesting way. From wilting to lip syncing to the music, it’s important to exert effort to act like a big scary green plant like the puppet.”