Little Shop of HorrorsMcCoy Rigby Entertainment at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Reviewed by
Les Spindle
April 20, 2011
The irresistible lead players sparkle. Lesli Margherita is a virtuoso singer and a consummate actor, imbuing the role of self-esteem-challenged shop girl Audrey with the perfect mix of what we expect from this role and enough original touches to make it her own. Sporting a fluffy Marilyn Monroe wig and affecting the requisite bimbo speech inflections, she's the typical ditsy Audrey, but seasoned with enough vulnerability to elicit bona fide empathy. Her wistful "Somewhere That's Green" is a showstopper, and she scores a similar coup in the soaring love duet "Suddenly Seymour," together with the wonderful Brett Ryback as klutzy but resourceful young shop manager Seymour. Ryback is a gifted comic while also possessing the singing prowess to pull off a tour de force portrayal. The supporting work is likewise top-notch. Playing crotchety shop owner Mr. Mushnik, Bob Amaral is a comedic delight. As Audrey's sadistic boyfriend, the deranged dentist Orin, James Royce Edwards is a villain we love to hate, and he supplements this uproarious characterization with an assortment of amusing cameo appearances. Playing a Supremes-like Greek chorus, the doo-wop trio of Angela Peel, Domonique Paton, and Carey Rebecca Brown delivers the goods, their efforts bolstered by Dana Solimando's spry choreography. Last but far from least, the mean green monster Audrey II is brought to life in the form of an enormous puppet, providing tough competition for the fine actors. Kudos to the sublime artistry of puppet designer Martin P. Robinson, puppeteer Robin Knight, and the occasionally chilling but mostly hilarious booming voice of actor-singer Michael A. Shepperd. Presented by McCoy Rigby Entertainment at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. April 16–May 1. Tue.–Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. (562) 944-9801 or www.lamiradatheatre.com. |
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