Little Shop Of Horrors
at Fullerton Union

Reviewed on April 11, 2014

Veronica Perry
Tri-School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

It's "Suppertime!" at FU

Veronica Perry is a sophomore at Tri-School in Anahiem.

A disco ball illuminates the dark auditorium, building anticipation as the overture plays on. A spotlight suddenly reveals figures garbed in iconic 1960's spaceman suits, reminiscent of the classic b-movies of that era. A disembodied voice floods the hall before the stage erupts into a lively spectacle of song and dance, beginning an unlikely tale of terror and comedy.

This is Fullerton Union's "Little Shop of Horrors", in which a "strange and interesting plant" revives a once desolate florist shop and gives fame to its once-a-nobody discoverer. But this plant has a interesting craving- human blood. And though the feedings start out with just a couple drops, the plant quickly grows into a huge problem with an appetite that can only be satiated through devious deeds.

Andrew Hatfield excels at playing Seymour Krelborn. Hatfield embodies the awkward persona of his character: throwing his arms to his sides in exasperation or hurriedly attempting to clean up shattered planters. He transforms his character at the end of the show, his once giddy behavior replaced by an agitation that is clearly shown through his expressions.

Hatfield's interactions with Leslie Gonzalez's Audrey bring an aspect of sweetness to the otherwise grizzly production. Her ditsy and carefree personality breaks down as they slowly reveal their feelings for one another through caring glances and simple conversations, finally peaking in "Suddenly Seymour" where they burst with genuine and raw emotion, voices soaring in beautiful harmony.

A great source of comedy and drama for the production is Josiah Haugen as Orin Scrivello. Lazily sauntering with a vicious gleam in his eye, he plays the sadistic dentist well. His comedic timing and infectious laugh are impeccable, yet do not water-down the very intense and harsh nature of the character. In "Dentist!" Haugen pairs well with the Supremes, whose ever constant energy, sassy behavior, and great vocals give vivacity to the number.

Costume and Hair Designers Sonia Mendez and McKenna Vargas succeed in reflecting each characters' personality; the ragged clothes of the Skid Row ensemble emphasize their poverty while the colorful attire of the Supremes embellish their bright character. Zuleyma Oropeza's creative use of props, such as the newspaper veil, give a creative and realistic vibe to the show.

All in all, Fullerton's cast is filled with talent and abounding energy, providing a thoroughly entertaining production that leaves you craving more.

Veronica Perry
Tri-School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

It's "Suppertime!" at FU

Veronica Perry is a sophomore at Tri-School in Anahiem.

A disco ball illuminates the dark auditorium, building anticipation as the overture plays on. A spotlight suddenly reveals figures garbed in iconic 1960's spaceman suits, reminiscent of the classic b-movies of that era. A disembodied voice floods the hall before the stage erupts into a lively spectacle of song and dance, beginning an unlikely tale of terror and comedy.

This is Fullerton Union's "Little Shop of Horrors", in which a "strange and interesting plant" revives a once desolate florist shop and gives fame to its once-a-nobody discoverer. But this plant has a interesting craving- human blood. And though the feedings start out with just a couple drops, the plant quickly grows into a huge problem with an appetite that can only be satiated through devious deeds.

Andrew Hatfield excels at playing Seymour Krelborn. Hatfield embodies the awkward persona of his character: throwing his arms to his sides in exasperation or hurriedly attempting to clean up shattered planters. He transforms his character at the end of the show, his once giddy behavior replaced by an agitation that is clearly shown through his expressions.

Hatfield's interactions with Leslie Gonzalez's Audrey bring an aspect of sweetness to the otherwise grizzly production. Her ditsy and carefree personality breaks down as they slowly reveal their feelings for one another through caring glances and simple conversations, finally peaking in "Suddenly Seymour" where they burst with genuine and raw emotion, voices soaring in beautiful harmony.

A great source of comedy and drama for the production is Josiah Haugen as Orin Scrivello. Lazily sauntering with a vicious gleam in his eye, he plays the sadistic dentist well. His comedic timing and infectious laugh are impeccable, yet do not water-down the very intense and harsh nature of the character. In "Dentist!" Haugen pairs well with the Supremes, whose ever constant energy, sassy behavior, and great vocals give vivacity to the number.

Costume and Hair Designers Sonia Mendez and McKenna Vargas succeed in reflecting each characters' personality; the ragged clothes of the Skid Row ensemble emphasize their poverty while the colorful attire of the Supremes embellish their bright character. Zuleyma Oropeza's creative use of props, such as the newspaper veil, give a creative and realistic vibe to the show.

All in all, Fullerton's cast is filled with talent and abounding energy, providing a thoroughly entertaining production that leaves you craving more.

Zack Ali
Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

FEED ME FULLERTON, FEED ME

Zack Ali is a sophomore at Huntington Beach APA in Huntington Beach

In 1969 we sent man to space, and it decided to send us something back. In the unique musical Little Shop of Horrors at Fullerton Union High School a plant takes America by storm!

The show is set in urban Skid Row where poverty is unconscionable. The musical, written by Howard Ashman, investigates the life of Seymour Krelborn, an orphan who works in a struggling flower shop. He has intimate feelings for his coworker Audrey, who he admiringly names his mysterious carnivorous plant after. The bloodthirsty plant needs to be fed human flesh, and he has to determine whether or not to provide for it.

The cast wonderfully expressed poverty throughout the show, especially in the physicality of the ensemble, with their staggering walks and animated faces. Cohesively the cast builds up the presence of poverty in numbers such as "Skid Row (Downtown)." The connection between characters was strongly built through many of the inaudible moments as well.

Andrew Hartfield and Leslie Gonzalez effectively displayed Seymour and Audrey's vivacious love. Their duet, "Suddenly, Seymour" was delivered with rich vocals that moved the audience. Leslie used her metropolitan accent to blend in a sweet soprano. Additionally, Andrew's clumsiness around Leslie also brought their intimacy to life.

The supporting cast performed comedy remarkably well. The number "Mushnik and Son," performed by Dakota Goss (Mushnik) and Andrew Hartfield caused the audience to roar with laughter. The Supremes, a chorus of impudent women from the stoops of Skid Row, marvelously connects the show throughout; particularly, Summer Wagner (Ronette) vocally and Mykaela Sterris's (Crytal) comedic acting made the audience look forward to watching the group perform. Josiah Haugen (Orin) provided the audience with a fervent performance of a noxious dentist, a very difficult role. Audrey the Plant's puppeteers worked well to animate the plant for the audience, especially in the vocals of Samuel Derro. Despite minor vocal issues, the cast delivered a reputable performance.

The technical aspects of the show allowed for the audience to better understand the time period. The costuming of Sonia Mendez, Jessica Swanson, and Adina Corke utilized many modern day clothes with specification to create the unique mix of clean-cut sixties style with the poverty of the characters. To support the costumes, the make up crew did a commendable job of simulating sixties' hair styles.

For such a demanding show, Fullerton delivered a laudable performance.

Zack Ali
Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

FEED ME FULLERTON, FEED ME

Zack Ali is a sophomore at Huntington Beach APA in Huntington Beach

In 1969 we sent man to space, and it decided to send us something back. In the unique musical Little Shop of Horrors at Fullerton Union High School a plant takes America by storm!

The show is set in urban Skid Row where poverty is unconscionable. The musical, written by Howard Ashman, investigates the life of Seymour Krelborn, an orphan who works in a struggling flower shop. He has intimate feelings for his coworker Audrey, who he admiringly names his mysterious carnivorous plant after. The bloodthirsty plant needs to be fed human flesh, and he has to determine whether or not to provide for it.

The cast wonderfully expressed poverty throughout the show, especially in the physicality of the ensemble, with their staggering walks and animated faces. Cohesively the cast builds up the presence of poverty in numbers such as "Skid Row (Downtown)." The connection between characters was strongly built through many of the inaudible moments as well.

Andrew Hartfield and Leslie Gonzalez effectively displayed Seymour and Audrey's vivacious love. Their duet, "Suddenly, Seymour" was delivered with rich vocals that moved the audience. Leslie used her metropolitan accent to blend in a sweet soprano. Additionally, Andrew's clumsiness around Leslie also brought their intimacy to life.

The supporting cast performed comedy remarkably well. The number "Mushnik and Son," performed by Dakota Goss (Mushnik) and Andrew Hartfield caused the audience to roar with laughter. The Supremes, a chorus of impudent women from the stoops of Skid Row, marvelously connects the show throughout; particularly, Summer Wagner (Ronette) vocally and Mykaela Sterris's (Crytal) comedic acting made the audience look forward to watching the group perform. Josiah Haugen (Orin) provided the audience with a fervent performance of a noxious dentist, a very difficult role. Audrey the Plant's puppeteers worked well to animate the plant for the audience, especially in the vocals of Samuel Derro. Despite minor vocal issues, the cast delivered a reputable performance.

The technical aspects of the show allowed for the audience to better understand the time period. The costuming of Sonia Mendez, Jessica Swanson, and Adina Corke utilized many modern day clothes with specification to create the unique mix of clean-cut sixties style with the poverty of the characters. To support the costumes, the make up crew did a commendable job of simulating sixties' hair styles.

For such a demanding show, Fullerton delivered a laudable performance.

Trevor Casillas
Mission Viejo High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton Union leaves a big impression in Little Shop

Fullerton Union High School brings to life the musical "Little Shop of Horrors", book by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. Set in the poverty stricken Skid Row, a greedy Mr. Mushnik, a clumsy Seymour Krelborn, and vulnerable Audrey run a Florist shop. Just when they thought they hit rock bottom, Seymour acquires the exotic Audrey ll, which skyrockets the shop's income-- but as the Audrey ll's demands for blood grow, Seymour is forced to comply until his ultimate demise, along with the rest of the human race.

Andrew Hatfield captures Seymour as a four-eyed nerd with a comb-over, maintaining a fidgety and slouched demeanor that portrays his awkwardness. Leslie Gonzalez plays Seymour's love interest, Audrey, with her big blond bouffant, a black dress hugging her petite figure, and a sweet voice-- Gonzalez shows that "underneath the bruises and handcuffs" there is a respectable woman. Orin Scrivello, depicted by Josiah Haugen in leather from head to toe, presents a sadistic and crazy dentist, thrusting his loose hips and laughing maniacally as he inhales gas. Dakota Goss makes a powerful figure in Mr. Mushnik with outstanding characterization, presenting the epitome of an opportunistic miser as he ambles around on stage. Samuel Derro uses his funky/bluesy voice to bring Audrey ll to life, implementing an original tone that is a mix of devious and comic.

The energetic ensemble, "The Supremes" (Adena Bentley, Chloe Saunders, Mykaela Sterris, Alexa Hillman, Summer Wagner, and Carmen Dina) bring life to Skid Row as hip and smart street urchins. Other smaller roles shine through, including the Radio Interviewer (Brent Dennewitz) with his deep voice, the confident Berstein (Zachary Bane) rocking a fedora and all black suit along with shades, and the classy but desperate Mrs. Luce (Valerie Williams) with her soaring soprano.

This well done show wouldn't be possible without those behind the scenes, making sure set changes move smoothly. The designers for costumes, makeup and props also manage to bring the 60's Skid Row to life.

While overall the show was excellent, minor occurrences were noticeable. At times it was difficult to understand dialogue and lyrics, due to both articulation and volume--because though the band on stage contributed to the ingenuity of the show, it sometimes overpowered the singing. Despite these small things, an incredible performance full of humor and tragedy was received enthusiastically.

Trevor Casillas
Mission Viejo High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton Union leaves a big impression in Little Shop

Fullerton Union High School brings to life the musical "Little Shop of Horrors", book by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. Set in the poverty stricken Skid Row, a greedy Mr. Mushnik, a clumsy Seymour Krelborn, and vulnerable Audrey run a Florist shop. Just when they thought they hit rock bottom, Seymour acquires the exotic Audrey ll, which skyrockets the shop's income-- but as the Audrey ll's demands for blood grow, Seymour is forced to comply until his ultimate demise, along with the rest of the human race.

Andrew Hatfield captures Seymour as a four-eyed nerd with a comb-over, maintaining a fidgety and slouched demeanor that portrays his awkwardness. Leslie Gonzalez plays Seymour's love interest, Audrey, with her big blond bouffant, a black dress hugging her petite figure, and a sweet voice-- Gonzalez shows that "underneath the bruises and handcuffs" there is a respectable woman. Orin Scrivello, depicted by Josiah Haugen in leather from head to toe, presents a sadistic and crazy dentist, thrusting his loose hips and laughing maniacally as he inhales gas. Dakota Goss makes a powerful figure in Mr. Mushnik with outstanding characterization, presenting the epitome of an opportunistic miser as he ambles around on stage. Samuel Derro uses his funky/bluesy voice to bring Audrey ll to life, implementing an original tone that is a mix of devious and comic.

The energetic ensemble, "The Supremes" (Adena Bentley, Chloe Saunders, Mykaela Sterris, Alexa Hillman, Summer Wagner, and Carmen Dina) bring life to Skid Row as hip and smart street urchins. Other smaller roles shine through, including the Radio Interviewer (Brent Dennewitz) with his deep voice, the confident Berstein (Zachary Bane) rocking a fedora and all black suit along with shades, and the classy but desperate Mrs. Luce (Valerie Williams) with her soaring soprano.

This well done show wouldn't be possible without those behind the scenes, making sure set changes move smoothly. The designers for costumes, makeup and props also manage to bring the 60's Skid Row to life.

While overall the show was excellent, minor occurrences were noticeable. At times it was difficult to understand dialogue and lyrics, due to both articulation and volume--because though the band on stage contributed to the ingenuity of the show, it sometimes overpowered the singing. Despite these small things, an incredible performance full of humor and tragedy was received enthusiastically.