Feed Your Appetite For Fun!
Being a RAC summer intern definitely has its moments. Meeting new people? Check. Gaining experience? Check. Amazing co-workers? Check. Learning to take advantage of all the arts and culture events that St. Louis has to offer? Check!
Case in point: Going to the STAGES ST. LOUIS production of Little Shop of Horrors.
I discovered
this little gem while working on an assignment for ArtsZipper.com and the seed was planted; I was immediately intrigued and decided I had to see the show.
I had never been to the Reim Theatre in Kirkwood Park before, but I liked the slightly smaller venue. The lobby was packed as more people began to arrive and take advantage of the available snacks and drinks before the show. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of pride seeing the RAC logo on the banner listing the production's sponsors!
The show itself was amazing. I was impressed by the quality of the acting, singing, costumes, and, well, everything! It was fun to keep my eyes peeled and catch the progression of the story through some subtle (and not so subtle!) costume and set changes, like bandages on Seymour's fingers from giving in to Audrey II's carnivorous appetite, the increasing quality of clothing as fame and fortune became a reality for the characters, and the impending growth of the plant itself. The characters themselves appear, at times, out of the woodwork. Imagine my shock when the giant plant's roots took on a life of their own!
The musical talent was just as extraordinary. I have to say, some of my favorite songs came from the small chorus line of Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon, three "doo-wop" characters who kept a running commentary on the show. Each of these women has an amazing voice, and they blended together perfectly to keep the plot moving smoothly. It shouldn't be surprising that the songs were catchy, clever and memorable; with a team from Disney writing the score and lyrics, memorable tunes are a must. I don't think I was the only one chanting "Little Shop, Little Shop of Horrors..." as I walked to my car after the show (or days later, for that matter).
I don't want to give anything away, but the finale was also exceptional. Thinking of the clever special effects and humorous ending still puts a smile on my face. As I walked outside I happened to brush 
by a bush, only to have a fellow show-goer behind me warn, "Don't feed the plants!" It was truly a very enjoyable evening, and left me hungry for more... I look forward to going to another STAGES production soon!
Little Shop of Horrors runs until Sunday, June 28. If you don't get a chance to see it, be sure to check out the next STAGES production, The Drowsy Chaperone, which runs July 17 to August 16!
Did you hear the one about the painter, the poet the philosopher and the musician? They are penniless roommates in a 19th century Parisan "loft." Sound like a good story? It is. There is something about opera. Not sure what it is, since I'm relatively new to the art form, but there's always something. The music is always stunning (as it should be with the SLSO in the pit) and the stories are always inspiring.