Sometimes success can come about in a quite unexpected – or dangerous – way, and that is exactly what happened to the workers of Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists in George Mason High School’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. 
Sometimes success can come about in a quite unexpected – or dangerous – way, and that is exactly what happened to the workers of Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists in George Mason High School’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.
In the middle of the dark, decrepit neighborhood of Skid Row sits a lowly floral shop, owned by Mr. Mushnik (Tom Shapiro). His young and geeky worker, Seymour (Sam Waters), believes he can turn the shop’s luck around by displaying a rare plant he has discovered in the shop’s window for all prospective customers to see. He names the plant Audrey II, after Audrey (Sarah Johnson), the co-worker whom he loves. However, Seymour does not realize that this plant wants more than the usual diet of water and sunlight. This plant wants blood.
George Mason’s production was anchored by large group numbers, that included strong harmonies. The leads produced similar results during their solo numbers. Many of the numbers had a 60’s Doo-Wop feel and the vocalists were able to execute these commendably.
Sam Waters gave a performance filled with energy and noticeable character development as Seymour transformed from being shy and insecure to having more confidence in himself. Waters also had fantastic vocal, and his voice stood out in every song.
Tom Shapiro’s portrayal of the frantic Mr. Mushnik brought hilarity to many scenes through his awkwardness and understated humor.
Another superb vocalist was Katie Loftur-Thun who played the voice of Audrey II. Although she was never onstage and sang from inside the pit band, she made all of her songs stand out, hitting all the low notes that were originally written for a man. Sarah Johnson, as the human Audrey, maintained a nasal tone of voice throughout the show that was always entertaining. She brought life and meaning to her solo song, “Somewhere That’s Green.”
Rand Walter, as Audrey’s ne’er-do-well boyfriend, Dr. Orin Scrivello, gave an enjoyable comedic performance, especially in “Dentist!” and “Now (It’s Just the Gas).”
The set was one of the best aspects of the show. The space onstage was certainly used well, and wire fences, dumpsters and graffiti were used to play up the decaying condition of Skid Row. While at times the lighting seemed a little frenzied, other lighting such as streetlights and neon signs were creative additions to the set.
Overall, George Mason High School’s cast performed this delightfully dark comedy with enthusiasm and made sure to warn everyone: “Don’t feed the plant!”
• Tess Higgins is a student at Langley High School and a member of the Cappies Critics and Awards program.
