Northern Light Theatre Company. Shedley Theatre. 5 Apr 2013
This show based on the cult classic musical film (which was based on the original comedy-horror film) will have its share of ‘lovers and haters’, but whether you find fun and frivolity in the story or not, you are bound to enjoy this production by Northern Light Theatre Company.
To be fair, the show is riding high on the shoulders of its leads. The usual cast of nine has been expanded to a whopping 23, and many of the traditionally shared roles have been handed out to the vast ensemble. Sometimes I found the stage to be a little too busy and it didn’t always make a lot of sense – but it cannot be denied that the show looked good; it was colourful, energetic, well lit and vibrant.
Amy Hutchinson is the standout; her Audrey is sweet and endearing. Hutchinson finds all of the nuances and exposes Audrey’s insecurities and innermost feelings with modesty and grace. It is easy to connect with Hutchinson’s characterisation, and many would; dreaming of a better life whilst making poor romantic choices is every woman’s tale of woe. When Hutchinson sings our minds are cleansed of all thoughts - with jaw dropped and eyes wide you can do nothing but focus on the sound of her beautiful voice.
David MacGillivray plays Seymour with wonderful sincerity. Seymour is shy and naïve and MacGillivray is mild-mannered whilst remaining compelling. His presence on the stage lifts the energy of the whole production and, like a pocket-rocket, he gives the show pace and a great feeling of stamina. MacGillivray and Hutchinson lift the roof, and the audience’s hearts, in “Suddenly Seymour”.
As the voice of Audrey Two, the blood thirsty plant, Rohan Watts absolutely excels. There are a few issues with microphone levels and balance in this production, but Watts’ mic is always perfect and his delectable booming ‘black’ voice would churn milk into butter and then melt it again all at once. When Watts sings the auditorium is alive – as is the excellent puppet – and the production instantly reaches the next level.
David Salter is manic, sadistic and sadomasochistic, and luckily for him so is his character, Orin Scrivello (I joke intentionally!). My point, of course, is that Salter was born to play this role. He seems to slide into his character all too easily, and delivers an action packed performance which brings the house down.
The rest of the cast and ensemble support the show wonderfully and complete the accord that makes this show a standout. Brian Godfrey, as Mr Mushnik, could have perhaps been more imposing and grumpy. I didn’t get the impression he was all that scary – yet MacGillivray’s responses implied perhaps that he was? Michelle Pearson, Lisa Simonetti and Michelle Davy as Crystal, Chiffon and Ronnette respectively were suitably dastardly and sang individually very well. It was just a pity that microphone levels weren’t always quite right and that their individual lines were lost when sung in ensemble or up against the likes of Hutchinson or Watts.
The Musical Director, Gordon Coombes, hid himself away nicely in a concealed pit and controlled a wonderful orchestra. The music was well balanced through the speakers and very unobtrusive. Set design seems to be credited to a team of people in the program. It was functional and attractive and didn’t detract at all from the action. The shop was set a long way back to make way for the larger ensemble and could have benefited from being a little closer to the audience but this is a mere niggle. Lighting by Chris Golding looked great, and functioned equally well. Quick changes in colour and flashes of warmth really gave the set a great feeling of depth. Some follow spot operation could be improved.
This is a top rate show, with very high production standards and exceptionally talented performers at the helm. I would strongly recommend a visit to the Shedley Theatre to check this show out if you weren’t already considering it.
Paul Rodda
When: 5 to 20 Apr
Where: The Shedley Theatre
Bookings: northernlight.org.au
