Interview: Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors is
a rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about
a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human
blood. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, and more famously the 1986 film of the same name directed by Frank Oz.
But now it's hitting the stage thanks to OPTC, Web Wombat Theatre caught up with Director & Choreographer Luis Rivera...
What attracted you to directing Little Shop of Horrors?
Well,
I love the show; I find the songs and the characters a treat to work
with. It was also an opportunity for me to work with a smaller sized
cast.
Tell us a little about OPTC.
OPTC,
formerly known as Old Paradian Theatre Company is a place that
ex-students and other outsiders can continue their passion for theatre.
The company has existed for 2 years and this will be there third show.
The Little Shop of Horrors
story has been told in a variety of mediums, including the 60s black
and white film, off-Broadway musical, 80s film and revival
production. How have these previous stories influenced your direction of your upcoming production?
These
various mediums have influenced my direction by allowing the audience
to relate to the somewhat two dimensional characters. Melodrama has
been utilised to further identify the characters and their weaknesses.
I
also believe that Howard Ashman, the original director and also the
script writer for the musical, gave some helpful hints, allowing the
actors playing the characters to believe that the world of Skid Row is
real, and the audience will follow them and admire their stories. If
you allow the characters to mock the world of Skid Row, the stories are
lost and the illusion is broken. I obviously believe that the
characters and their development are the key to the successful
direction of Little Shop of Horrors.
Director and choreographer is a tough combination. What appealed to you to take on both roles, and how is it working out?
The
double combo! The appeal is great and the work is hard! Directing has
always come naturally to me and I have always enjoyed dance (although
I'm not a trained dancer), but as a director I can see the movement
needed to drive a scene and through this vision I believed that I could
do the duo. I
was previously a Co-choreographer and Assistant Director for the same
show and I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve the holy
grail! Next up is Musical Directing and the rest. (Not really)
How does this style of show compare to others (in terms of directing) for you?
It's good little scenery and the actors are the ones driving the story forward! I love it!
What surprises can we expect?
Amazical Costuming! (yes Amazing and Musical = Amazical) and some great performances, the cast is working so hard.
Little Shop of Horrors stars a singing plant that eats people. How do you tackle the challenge of bringing Audrey II to life?
With the Amazing help of Mr. Andrew McDougall! Great puppeteer!
The "Greek Chorus" of the musical are three sassy, streetwise urchins. How have you utilised the girls to tell the story?
Exactly like that, they are my 'Greek Chorus'! They have lots of costume changes; they are all knowing and a little mischievous.
What's your greatest challenge as a stage director?
The greatest challenge I always foresee is variation in direction, using the entire space without over directing a scene.
What are some of the highlights in Little Shop of Horrors that Web Wombat Theatre's audiences can look out for?
Suddenly Seymour is stunning, and I will say it again - Costuming!
Directors
shouldn't play favourites – but they do – have you found yourself
enjoying a particular character or actor’s performance for this show
more than others?
Yes, I have, and I'm sorry cast, but
Miss Angie Bedford as Audrey is just breathtaking, simply a joy to
listen to and watch every rehearsal.
Melbourne is full to the brim with theatre. What makes OPTC’s production of Little Shop of Horrors a must see this November?
The price has to be a draw card – only $20 for concession and $25 for adults – cheap! If you want a good laugh and a great night out come see OPTC's Little Shop of Horrors.
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