The theatre department at Tualatin High School is once again busy with preparations for a first-class musical theatre production. The whole school is buzzing with anticipation… where else can you find comedy, horror, a huge singing puppet, and an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score all in one musical?
Drumroll, please….The Little Shop of Horrors!
The Little Shop of Horrors was originally written by Howard Ashman and the musical score by Alan Menken. This story follows a meek and dejected florist shop worker who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names Audrey II. He names the plant after his crush at work, Audrey.
The plant quickly grows bigger and meaner and develops an insatiable thirst for human blood. Not only does the plant’s appetite increase, so does its talent for belting out rhythm and blues.
Jenn Hunter Tindle, the theatre teacher at Tualatin High School, has a strong record of pulling together some of the area’s best high school performances. Henry Findtner, who plays the lead role of Seymour says of Hunter Tindle, “She is excellent at bringing the best out of all her students, letting each individual shine.” We had the pleasure of sitting down with two of these students and they want you to know the whole cast and crew are ready for the community to come out and be wowed by their upcoming performance.
Allie Ramirez, who plays the singing blood-thirsty plant says, “It has been such a unique experience focusing on building a character only using my voice. I’m so excited to work with the puppeteers!” She is also looking forward to making this part her own as typically Audrey II is played by a low male voice actor.
This musical is particularly special to Allie because the very first time she saw The Little Shop of Horrors in fifth grade it made her want to pursue acting on stage. Not only is every scene her favorite, but she also loves the characters. “Audrey and Seymour’s relationship is beautiful and their characters have a lot of depth….and, of course, everyone loves the giant puppet on stage!” Henry has had a lot of experience in local theater productions and he believes Little Shop of Horrors is very unique. “The plot is so out of this world, and the soul-infused music is some of the best out there in terms of musicals.” He also loves the unique characters like the crazy antagonist, Orin the dentist.
Jenn Hunter Tindle, who is leading this tremendous cast and crew, happens to love the characters too. “Seymour and Audrey are some of my favorite underdogs. They fight to learn about life’s hurdles. They take risks, dare to be emotionally vulnerable with one another and, in the end, make sacrifices for the greater good.”
This show is truly one for everyone to enjoy, with the gritty humor applied across all ages and songs and lyrics that compliment the wild plot so well. And who doesn’t want to see an enormous, blood-thirsty plant singing on stage?
Little Shop of Horrors
Performance Dates and Times:
When: Friday, Mar. 10, 7:00pm
Saturday, Mar. 11, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Friday, Mar. 17, 7:00pm
Saturday, Mar. 18, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets: Tickets available for purchase at the door and online. Limited ticket availability. $10/person tinyurl.com/yck36xmb
