THS Drama Performs Little Shop of Horrors

By Amanda Weatherwax ᐧ Mar 14, 2025

Oxford, OH — Whatever they offer you, don’t feed the  plants (well, at least don’t feed the blood-thirsty ones), and be sure to check out THS Drama’s newest musical production:  Little Shop of Horrors.  The show premiered on Fri., Mar. 14 and the cast and crew showed no signs of first-night jitters as they put on a stellar opening performance.  

Directed by THS Drama Director Melanie Mortimer and Assistant Director Shr-Lin Moore, the musical features some of THS’s most talented performers.  Bryce Wortman portrays the well-meaning and insecure Seymour Krelborn who is berated by his boss Mr. Mushnik (portrayed by Isiah Prewittt) and crushing on his co-worker Audrey (portrayed by Ysabella Anders). Audrey is in an unhealthy relationship with the sadistic, motorcycling dentist Orin (portrayed by Adam Hunt).  Krelborn discovers a strange and mysterious plant after a total eclipse of the sun, names it Audrey II, and quickly finds out that in order to grow, Audrey II (sung by Miles Kelly with puppeteering Wallace Howard and Amaria Sanford) requires human blood.

There were quite a few standout performances by the cast, starting with the Street Urchins (Doo-Wop Group) of Katie Conger, Vanessa Howard, and Alaina Meyer.  The urchins serve as a sort of Greek chorus in the musical by acting as narrators for the action.  The performers did not miss a step despite several quick costume changes and multiple choreographed numbers throughout the show.  

Bryce Wortman’s portrayal of Seymour Krelborn was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was clear that he fully embodied the role. Wortman’s comedic timing and physical humor were a highlight throughout the production, whether it was his awkward interactions with Audrey or his frantic attempts to hide his growing guilt. His ability to balance both the absurdity of Seymour’s situation and the vulnerability of his character added depth to the performance. Additionally, Wortman’s vocal skills were equally impressive. He sang both the rock numbers, like “Skid Row (Downtown),” and the heartfelt ballads, such as “Suddenly Seymour,” with a rich and emotive voice that perfectly captured Seymour's journey from meek florist to reluctant hero. His performance was charming, endearing, and full of heart.

Izzy Anders brought Audrey to life with a stunning portrayal that captured both the character’s tragic pathos and infectious charm. Her portrayal was marked by a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength, making it impossible not to root for Audrey. Anders’s skill in adopting Audrey's iconic accent was seamless, lending authenticity to her performance. Her emotional depth shone through in her solo “Somewhere That's Green,” where she conveyed both the longing for a better life and the painful reality of her situation. The duet “Suddenly Seymour,” with Wortman, was a standout moment of the production, showcasing the beautiful chemistry between the two leads. Anders’ voice soared in the song, effortlessly capturing Audrey’s hopes and dreams, and her delicate but powerful vocal delivery added an extra layer of emotion to the scene.

Adam Hunt’s portrayal of Orin Scrivello, the sadistic dentist, was a riotous highlight of the production. His performance was nothing short of hilarious, particularly during his iconic number "Now, It's Just the Gas." Donned in a comically oversized nitrous oxide helmet, which gave off a quirky Sandy Cheeks from Bikini Bottom vibe, Hunt's physical comedy was on full display. The absurdity of the helmet, paired with his over-the-top antics, added a layer of ridiculousness that was impossible not to laugh at. As Orin’s sadistic side emerged, Hunt’s delivery was pitch-perfect, capturing the dark humor of the character while simultaneously making it clear that he was having as much fun as the audience. The audience was left unsure whether to laugh or gasp, but it was impossible not to be entertained. Through Hunt’s unhinged energy and timing, the scene became a laugh-out-loud spectacle, with his portrayal of the dentist crossing the line between sinister and hysterically absurd.

Isiah Prewitt's portrayal of Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors was a masterclass in comedic timing and character acting. From the very start, Prewitt captured the grumpy, yet endearing, nature of the aging florist with ease. His physicality and sharp timing brought an extra layer of humor to the character, particularly in the number "Mushnik and Sons." Prewitt’s interactions with the other characters were a joy to watch, with his precise movements and facial expressions adding richness to the performance. One of the standout moments was his tango-like dance with Bryce Wortman’s Seymour, where their well-coordinated movements, coupled with Prewitt’s comical seriousness, had the audience laughing with delight. Additionally, his clever moments of holding his breath and side-singing to the audience were absolute perfection, showcasing his brilliant sense of timing and ability to play to the crowd. Prewitt’s vocal performance was also a highlight, as he navigated the tricky blend of humor, grumpiness, and sincerity in the songs.

Kelly’s performance as Audrey II was an absolute showstopper, bringing the infamous plant to life with both menace and charm. Kelly’s commanding voice transformed Audrey II into a truly captivating antagonist, drawing the audience in with every note. Kelly’s vocal delivery was perfectly suited for the role, shifting effortlessly between the plant's sly, smooth, and sinister tones. Kelly’s voice acting and singing were perfectly suited for the character's transformation from a quirky, innocent "little shop" attraction to a terrifying, power-hungry entity, Kelly’s vocal performance ensured the plant's presence was felt throughout the show.  Coupled with the puppeteering of Wallace Howard and Amaria Sanford, Audrey II was a joy to watch and hear.

Costume Designer Melanie Mortimer captured the 60s vibe with great attention to detail, evident in each carefully chosen costume. The street urchins' costume changes, transforming them from girls just hanging out in "Skid Row" to a veritable 60s doo-wop group with matching dresses, highlight this thoughtful approach. The costume choices for Seymour, Audrey, and Scrivello were equally on point, from Seymour's boyish ballcap and geeky khakis to Audrey's popular 1960s fashion, and Scrivello's signature motorcycle boots, jacket, and dentist coat. The set design, lighting, and sound further enhanced the immersive experience, with the vibrant, urban set evoking the gritty atmosphere of "Skid Row," while the warm lighting accentuated the nostalgic 60s aesthetic. The dynamic sound design, filled with energetic doo-wop tunes and atmospheric effects, underscored the playful and dramatic moments, perfectly complementing the costumes and overall production.

Little Shop is a horror-comedy with throwback 60s rock and doo-wop written by Howard Ashman with musical score by Alan Menken.  Scott Campbell serves as the Technical Director and Maureen Kelly as the Vocal Director for Talawanda’s production. The musical is humorously referred to as “PG-13” by THS Drama due to some mature language and horror subtones.  

Show Dates: Mar. 14 (7 pm), Mar. 15 (2 pm & 7 pm), and Mar. 16 (2 pm)

Ticket Pricing: $10pp, $8/students & seniors Purchase Tickets at the Door or Online.