The highly anticipated local production of "Little Shop of Horrors" is set to grace the stage once again, this time at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater.
Presented by The Sandbox Collective as part of their 10th anniversary season, this rendition promises to deliver a theatrical experience like no other, blending humor, horror, and heart.
In 2011, Toff de Venecia directed the Ateneo Blue Repertory's 20th Season premiere of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Thirteen years later, de Venecia with then-Blue Rep's Artistic Director and now musical director Ejay Yatco are set to bring this beloved musical to a new audience.
Reflecting on the journey, de Venecia shared in a media conference, "I guess this is a long time coming. We were supposed to do this July 2020 and then the pandemic happened. We thought we had to park this first, but we had to do it anyway because we have the rights to it so it's finally happening."
"Dreaming of this 2024 'Little Shop of Horrors,' we still wanted to retain a lot of the spirit and essence of that 2011 'Little Shop of Horrors' although it's a bigger scale, bigger venue, it's level up 'Little Shop of Horrors,'" he added.
Yatco, meanwhile, recalled, "Thirteen years ago, we had to do it with minus-ones because of budget constraints. But now, we're going to do it with a live band. Toff and I have been dreaming about this for a decade."
"One big thing also is Toff and I have grown together, we've known each other for a long time. But as a director and as a musical director, we've both grown in the past 10 years, so I think our life experiences have prepared us for this version of Little Shop of Horrors," he continued.
"Little Shop of Horrors" is based on the 1960 film by Roger Corman. It tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a floral assistant who discovers a plant with an insatiable appetite for human blood. As the plant, named Audrey II, grows, Seymour becomes entangled in a web of fame, love, and moral dilemmas.
The musical, with its blend of humor, horror, and heart, has captivated audiences worldwide since its Off-Off-Broadway debut in 1982.
The production's music, composed by the legendary Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, features iconic songs such as "Suddenly, Seymour" and "Somewhere That's Green."
These compositions have earned numerous accolades, including several Academy Awards and Grammy Awards, solidifying their place in the musical theater canon.
Director de Venecia envisions the show as "musical theatre of the absurd."
He explained, "A talking plant that eats people? It doesn't get any more absurd than that. Exploring the show from that theatrical vantage point allows us to dream up a surrealist world in which to bring to life this beloved classic with tinges of horror, whimsy, and hope."
Puppet artist Kayla Teodoro, known for her work in the Royal Shakespeare Company's "My Neighbour Totoro" and the National Theatre of London's "Life of Pi," brings Audrey II to life with her inventive design.
Meanwhile, scenographer Mio Infante, who recently designed the set for 9 Works Theatrical's restaging of "Rent," transports audiences to the eccentric world of Skid Row, where the story unfolds.
The cast features Reb Atadero and Nyoy Volante alternating as the lovelorn Seymour. Sue Ramirez and Karylle Tatlonghari share the role of Audrey, Seymour's love interest.
The villainous dentist Orin is played alternately by Markki Stroem and David Ezra. Portraying Mr. Mushnik, the flower shop's proprietor, is the esteemed Audie Gemora.
OJ Mariano takes on the role of the bloodthirsty plant Audrey II, with Mikee Baskiñas, Abi Sulit, Paula Paguio, and Julia Serad playing the Street Urchins and Audrey II in select performances. The Audrey II movement ensemble includes Franco Ramos, Francis Gatmaytan, Cheska Quimno, Kirby Dunnzell, and Jacqui Jacinto as the swing.
Atadero expressed his excitement, saying, "It's really exciting because there are a lot of full circle moments that are happening with this particular production. It's a blessing really to do this again and to introduce it to a younger audience as well."
Ramirez, making her musical theater debut, reflected on the show's themes and said, "It says a lot about self-love. I think you'll realize how much we rely on other people to make us happy, but we can make ourselves happy on our own."
Volante added, "It's actually a show about choice. Sometimes you're caught in a situation where it's a choice between what you're doing is right but not so much good for your career or your love life or life, against a choice where it's not so much of a good thing for others but you'll thrive or even false victories."
"Little Shop of Horrors" will run all weekends from July 6 to 28, at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City. Showtimes are at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 8 p.m. on Fridays.
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