Reviews: Little Shop of Horrors at Annandale HS
Written by Myles Rathke of Quince Orchard High School
Take a bite out of Annandale High School's production of Little Shop of Horrors, serving up a thrilling mix of campy horror, catchy tunes, and one extraordinary extraterrestrial problem.
Based on the 1960 black comedy film, Little Shop of Horrors opened off-Broadway in 1982 with music inspired by early '60s rock and roll, composed by Alan Menken with a book written by Howard Ashman. The show is a darkly comedic musical about a timid flower shop assistant named Seymour Krelborn who discovers a mysterious talking plant that feeds on human blood, Audrey II, named after his crush and coworker. Caught between love, ambition, and a hungry plant with world domination on its mind, Seymour must decide how far he's willing to go for fame and fortune—but at what cost?
Nathaniel Dosen as Seymour and Haru Hernandez as Audrey brought sincerity and emotional depth to their performances, capturing the awkward charm and vulnerability of two misfits finding solace in each other. Their chemistry shined during "Suddenly, Seymour," where their voices intertwined with warmth, conveying a fragile hope that felt joyful and real. As the show progressed, their bond deepened into a moving portrayal of love and care. Their final scene, a heartbreaking farewell in Audrey's final moments, was devastating and tender—an emotional crescendo that left the audience silent, watching love slip away in Seymour's arms.
The Urchins—Crystals (Lucy Baboyian and Eugenia Riester), Ronnettes (Andrew Salazar and Ruby Connelly), and Chiffons (Violet Root and Knayomi Smith)—were a dynamic force, radiating infectious energy with harmonies that elevated every scene. From the moment the curtain opened, their presence was magnetic, drawing the audience into Skid Row with attitude, rhythm, and style. Whether dancing in the shadows or chiming in with sharp commentary, they kept the momentum alive and the mood electric, heightening both humor and tension.
Angela R. Fuentes Quinteros brought Audrey II to life with a voice that was sultry, sinister, and show-stopping. Her rich vocals gave the alien plant a bold, commanding personality that filled the theater, especially during "Git It" where her voice growled, belted, and laughed with wicked glee. Fuentes Quinteros's portrayal made Audrey II a fully realized, larger-than-life character whose presence dominated the stage.
The lighting design by Marcello Canniff and Haru Hernandez was a standout element, enhancing the drama, humor, and energy of every scene. Each lighting cue was perfectly timed, often acting as a silent narrator. During "Git It," lights pulsed with Audrey II's booming voice and the vibrant rhythms of the pit orchestra, adding an electric intensity that elevated the entire number. From eerie shadows to rich hues, the lighting brought a cinematic quality that deepened the audience's immersion and matched the musical's playfully dark tone.
Props by Fiona Raymer, Jasmine Hamilton, and Kaleigh Rosania, augmented authenticity and delight. From bright red rotary phones to a clacking typewriter, added texture and realism to the world of Skid Row. Baby Audrey II appeared early as a hand puppet, while the plant's later monstrous form featured evolving, puppeteered branches that brought jaw-dropping life to the stage. Cleverly, the fake arm attached to one of Seymour's jackets, allowed him to conceal his real arm inside the puppet and animate Audrey II while appearing to cradle it in a pot. The sheer volume and creativity of the props enriched the storytelling and showcased an impressive level of thought and theatrical ingenuity.
Annandale High School's Little Shop of Horrors was anything but small—with killer performances, flair, and a stage full of clever details, this production proved that even in the darkest corners of Skid Row, something spectacular can bloom.
Written by Anaiah Roberts of Duke Ellington School of the Arts
"Don't feed the plants!" On Friday May 2nd, Annandale High School performed a joyous rendition of Little Shop of Horrors. With engaging characters, stunning vocals, pops of color, and impressive costuming. Annandale High School 'fed' their audience a delightful performance of an age-old musical.
Little Shop of Horrors premiered off-off-Broadway in 1982 before moving to off-Broadway for a five year run. With music by Alan Menken and a book by Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a man who lives on poor 'Skid Row' and longs for a better life. So, when he discovers a new type of plant that can help him escape the poverty he feels trapped in, he goes to devastating lengths to keep it growing.
Nathaniel Dosen as Seymour Krelborn physically embodied the nerdiness of the character. With hunched shoulders and a wistful look in his eye, the audience truly understood Seymour's desperation for a better life. Dosen also effectively portrayed Seymour's arc, exemplified by Dosen's timid nature in act one contrasted to his erratic nature in act two, showcasing the true effect Audrey II had on him. Audrey, played by Haru Hernandez, is stuck in an abusive relationship, and believes that this relationship is what she deserves. Hernandez understood these aspects of Audrey's character and played into Audrey's poor self esteem, as well as the fear of a woman facing domestic violence. Hernandez and Dosen had great chemistry as love interests, and their voices beautifully blended in the number "Suddenly Seymour" and their devastating final goodbye. Audrey II, portrayed by Angela R. Fuentes Quinteros, commanded the stage. Her vocals truly stood out in the number 'Git It' due to her powerful resonance, and her character work truly brought the plant to life.
The set, designed by Jocelyn Barahona-Tinco, truly brought the show's quirky nature to life. With black and white checkered floors, sage green walls, and pops of bright colors, the stage felt alive and lived in- amplifying the show. Costumes, designed by Sophia Demers, Kathleen Tran, Renna Charles, and Lille Lehson despite challenges, brought Audrey II to life. With rentals falling through, and beginning to make a new costume the week before the show, Audrey II's costume seemed doomed to fail. But the students persisted, and their work paid off. Overall, 94 percent of the costumes were significantly altered, and there were 97 costume pieces. Their costuming brought the 60s to life, highlighting the class differences through wardrobe by having 'uptowners' in 60s attire and 'downtowners' in 50s clothing. These student's resilience is a testament to the work put into this show.
From entertaining and complex characters, enchanting vocals, resilient costuming, and impressive set design, the students who worked on Little Shop of Horrors brought this show to life. Underneath the comedic elements, the cast and crew told a story about love, acceptance, and the hope for a better life, leaving the audience with a heartfelt message to walk away with always remembering, “don’t feed the plants!"