Little Shop of Horrors
at Trabuco Hills

Reviewed on April 26, 2019

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Trabuco Hills Presents A Killer "Little Shop of Horrors"
written by Elena Plumb, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Two employees hustling to make ends meet, a worn-out boss, and a bloodthirsty plant begging to be fed - just another ordinary day at Skid Row's trusty flower shop! Marked by unwavering character commitment and remarkable technical elements, Trabuco Hills's retelling of this dark tale flowers with honesty, comedy, and tenderness.

Luke Desmond stars as the lovably awkward Seymour, exhibiting his character's every quirk and charm through his slight slouch, incessant fidgeting, and endearing grin. However, Desmond emboldens his initially meek and unsure character with the show's progression. As Seymour's carnivorous plant begins devouring his beloved Audrey, Desmond adopts the valor of a hero, vigorously crying her name as he rushes to her rescue.

Though Delaney Miller embraces Audrey's ditz and gleeful spirit, flouncing across the stage and speaking with high-pitched intonation, she crafts a layered, complex character. Whether cowering in the presence of her sadistic boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. (Michael Sladek) or daydreaming out loud during ballad "Somewhere That's Green," Miller skillfully unveils Audrey's emotional depth.

Jordan Murillo (Mr. Mushnik) is the comical highlight of the production, maintaining a deadpan facial expression and often muttering snide comments under his breath. Despite his character's age and physical decrepitude, Murillo lets loose while singing "Mushnik and Son," dancing and exulting in the newfound joy of fatherhood.

Street Urchins Crystal (Jaclyne Shoen), Ronnette (Alyssa Gauss), and Chiffon (Mirielle Smith) anchor the relatively nonsensical plot as the lively, doo-wop chorus. By strutting in synchrony with their hands on their hips, the girl group delivers sass and spunk along with exceptionally harmonized vocals.

Costumes by Joliya Iriarte and Angie White emphasize critical character traits. While Seymour wears sweater vests, bow ties, and glasses to reflect his nerdy nature, the greasy Dr. Scrivello rocks a leather jacket with an embossed tooth. Moreover, the team fashions multifunctional pieces, including Audrey's arm sling that transforms into an apron as she fantasizes about domestic life.

Sophia Quartucci's extraordinary set design not only facilitates scene transitions through the use of turntables, but it incorporates the towering Audrey II plant that crowds the little flower shop. Albeit monstrous in size, the plant is constructed with impeccable attention to detail, with drops of painted blood trickling from its teeth.

Spine-tingling, eerie, yet strangely charming, THHS's well-executed "Little Shop of Horrors" entertains while providing an apt commentary on the danger of greed.

Emi Nishida
University
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Doo-Wop Downtown to Trabuco Hills' 'Little Shop of Horrors'
written by Emi Nishida, a junior at University High School

An awkward aspiring botanist, an abused shop clerk, and a blood-hungry, human-eating plant on the course to take over the world - these distinctive characters are only the beginning of Trabuco Hills' intriguing 'Little Shop of Horrors'. Stemming from amusing actors and well-executed technical elements, the production reminds that money is not everything, respect is essential, and, most importantly, strange plants bought off the street should not be fed.

Luke Desmond is Seymour, the endearingly nervous employee of the Mushnik Floral Shop down on Skid Row. When interacting with his co-worker, Audrey, Desmond smiles sheepishly, tugs at his clothes and thumbs with his glasses, effectively conveying his nerdy innocence. His boyishness quickly shifts as Seymour rapidly skyrockets to success because of his unique plant, with his walk becoming more confident and posture more straight.

By Seymour's side through it all is Audrey (Delaney Miller), who meanwhile is being taken advantage of by her abusive boyfriend, Orin (Michael Sladek). Lamenting over her current relationship and yearning for a quiet suburban life with Seymour, Miller's beautiful, soft vocals shine in the emotional "Somewhere That's Green".

The petrifying plant, Audrey II (voiced by TJ Lynn) comes to life with a sinister voice that impeccably encapsulates its evil desire. Audrey II's low, smooth sound oozes with evil in the ominous "Suppertime" and is commendable for always keeping the audience engaged.

All throughout, the Urchins (Jaclyne Shoen, Alyssa Gauss, and Anna Martin) are sassy and sensational. The trio sings in perfect harmony, their voices blending together to form a clear and cohesive chorus. They swivel their hips and sway, impressively showing the choreography by Melody Rosa.

The set, designed by Sophia Quartucci, marvelously establishes distinctly different and believable locations for the interior of the floral shop, Skid Row, and the dentist office, all constructed on the same rotating turntable. Most impressive, however, is the enormous Audrey II puppet built to be able to devour any person in its mobile, massive leaf green jaw.

Scene changes of such a complicated set may be challenging but are carried out flawlessly by the Off The Wall stage crew. Recognition is also due to stage manager Taylor Hardick, whose precise calling of cues allows for such transitions to occur seamlessly.

The cast and crew at Trabuco Hills plant comedy and charm into their production, which bloom into a memorable 'Little Shop of Horrors'.

Samantha Dennis
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Beware Trabuco's "Little Shop of Horrors"
written by Samantha Dennis, a sophomore at Fullerton Union High School

Mushnik's Skid Row Floral Shop is on the brink of bankruptcy until an employee, Seymour, buys and creates the Audrey II, a man-eating plant named after his coworker Audrey. The Audrey II finds instant success and shoots Seymour into the world of fame and fortune. But Seymour doesn't know how long he can provide food for Audrey II before something goes amiss or he gets caught with bloody fingers.

Delaney Miller portrays Audrey's naive and ditzy personality with ease, utilizing vocal inflection and a developed accent to develop her character. Miller displays Audrey's intense desire for a better life in "Somewhere That's Green" and perfectly shifts emotions when interacting with different characters. She is extremely frightened and nervous around the Dentist, but around Seymour and Mr. Mushnik, she is lighthearted and confident.

Luke Desmond establishes Seymour's nervousness and clumsiness through nervous ticks, messed up clothing, and multiple falls onstage. Desmond expertly displays Seymour's caring nature for Audrey and naivete when creating and feeding Audrey II. Together, Miller and Desmond create an extremely strong connection between the two characters, with comfortable interactions and intense emotions.

Jordan Murillo is fabulous as Mr. Mushnik. The grumpy shopkeeper comes to life as Murillo sings and dances in "Mushnik and Son" after hatching the idea to adopt Seymour. Murillo's vocals are incredible and he demands everyone's attention as he dramatically convinces Seymour to agree. Murillo's comedic delivery is very appropriate for the character, and he adds unscripted muttering under his breath to further develop Mushnik's sarcastic personality.

Each Skid Row inhabitant has their own unique personality that enhances the show. From solicitors to the homeless to the drunks, each ensemble member seems like they truly belong on Skid Row. They put the audience in the mindset of someone living on the street and help the show come to life as they sing in "Skid Row" and complain about their horrible lives.

Designed by Angie White and Joliya Iriarte, the costumes immerse the audience and allow for seamless changes. The three urchins wear different costumes in almost every scene, with each urchin wearing a specific colored headband to distinguish between them. Throughout the show, as Seymour's Audrey II finds more and more success, Audrey and Seymour's clothes slowly shift from rags to riches.

With well developed characters and creative technical elements, Trabuco Hills kills "Little Shop of Horrors".