In the world of musicals, Little Shop of Horrors really stands out because it mixes funny and scary. I talked to important people like Directors Raymond Calderon, Zachary Lynn, and Brandon Morley, and I found out how much hard work goes into making this cool show. When I chatted with actors like Preston Wunderlin and Hope Haase, they shared the fun times and tough moments they had while putting on the show. Plus, the stage crew helped make everything work smoothly. Come with me as we explore behind the scenes of Potosi High School’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.
In my interview with Raymond Calderon, the music director for Little Shop of Horrors, he expressed his deep passion for musical theater and the challenges of bringing this iconic show to life. He described it as a timeless cult classic that uniquely blends humor and horror, appealing to theater lovers everywhere. Mr. Ray highlighted the difficulty of mastering various musical styles and coordinating the talents of both performers and musicians. He hoped audiences left feeling exhilarated, humming the tunes, and pleasantly surprised by the reactions to the Audrey II puppets. He praised the cast's creativity and Mr. Morley’s inspiring leadership, and he is excited about upcoming productions, wishing for Beauty and the Beast and Mama Mia. He also shared his love for KISS and says his love for theater is particularly because of The Phantom of the Opera.
Zachary Lynn, another director of Little Shop of Horrors, juggled various roles, including fundraising, managing shirts and programs, and overseeing the stage crew. He believed the show was for everyone, except perhaps those who are afraid of man-eating plants. Finding the puppet was a challenge, but Mr. Ray had helpful connections. Mr. Lynn liked Marilyn Camacho's costume and noted how Logan Rausch resembled his character. Although he’s not usually a big musical fan, he enjoyed this one and jokingly claimed he was the funniest cast member. The next show will depend on audition interest, but if it were up to him he'd choose either Die Hard: The Musical or Bob's Burgers: The Musical.
Brandon Morley played multiple roles with Little Shop of Horrors as a director, choreographer, and trumpet player. He says balancing humor with serious themes was a challenge. Mr. Morley got into the theater to push himself after high school and joked that younger kids might find the show a bit scary. The production featured a fresh 2024 twist, and the Audrey II puppets impressed everyone. Mr. Morley loved the Audrey II costume and praised Mr. Mushnik played by Jackson Guiney. His favorite shows include Waitress, Hamilton, and Company, and he admires Meryl Streep. He found Mr. Lynn and Pierce Whitaker to be the funniest in the cast. While keeping future projects under wraps, he respects Mr. Ray’s guidance. His advice is to always do your best, and if he could write a musical, it would focus on the chaos of middle school teaching. He once danced in West Side Story with a broken foot, and it was You Can’t Take It With You that initially hooked him on theater.
Preston Wunderlin, who played a plant-loving nerd in Little Shop of Horrors, discussed the challenges of portraying a character so different from himself, especially since he struggles to keep plants alive. He enjoyed expressing nervousness and yelling, despite not embracing the nerdy aspect of his character. He praised Jackson's performance. If given a choice, he would love to play Orin, who confidently knows his lines. He humorously remarked on the plant, saying, “Twoey, that’s disgusting,” highlighting the show’s comedic elements.
Hope Haase shared her thoughts on her character, Crystal, in Little Shop of Horrors. She believes that fans of Greek chorus narrators, Motown music, and street-smart vibes would connect with Crystal. Hope related to Crystal's sassy and savvy leadership, though she found her character's sneaky side less appealing. Playing Crystal allowed her to forget her worries, and she appreciated how the character commanded attention and supported her friends. The hardest part was figuring out how to portray Crystal, but it became easier once she found her footing. Hope's favorite line was, “So dump the chump. Get another guy and let him protect you.” She believes Jackson and Pierce impressed the audience the most, and she loved being part of the girl group.
Myles Helminiak from the stage crew of Little Shop of Horrors managed microphone lights, a task usually meant for two, which was challenging. Myles described the show as a funny horror story, perfect for fans of the genre. He got involved due to his previous experience and the crew's need for help. He appreciated how each actor brought their style, adding freshness to the story. Overall, Myles highlighted the crew's crucial role in making the show successful.
Antonia Bandres, our school's foreign exchange student and a crew member for Little Shop of Horrors, discussed his behind-the-scenes role. Antonia believes the show is enjoyable for both kids and adults. He faced the challenge of remembering when to move props and managing nerves to ensure everything was in place. He joined the play to try new experiences while in America. When asked about potential audience dislikes, he insisted everyone should come because it is so fun. Antonio felt that audience members likely appreciated the show on their way home. He contributed by organizing props and thought the big plant was the most surprising element. Ultimately, Antonio had a blast working with his crewmates, making the experience memorable.
The people behind "Little Shop of Horrors" really put their hearts into the show. The actors and crew showed how everyone worked together to make the theater awesome. Looking back, Little Shop of Horrors surely made people laugh and gave them a great time. Thanks for checking out the fun behind this great show!