"Little Shop of Horrors" Gives Audiences Frightful Delights at Saint Viator High School
Over the many decades that Saint Viator High School has produced popular musicals, its students have never performed in a sci-fi smash hit, until now.
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For the first time, Saint Viator presents Little Shop of Horrors, a rock musical that debuted in 1982 and is currently running Off-Broadway starring a rotating cast of celebrities. Performances take place Feb. 1-4.
“We are so excited to share this spooky cult classic with our community,” says Director Megan Gray.
The show tells the tale of Seymour, a meek florist who stumbles upon a carnivorous plant with a craving for human blood. As the plant grows, Seymour faces a dilemma. This cult classic blends catchy music, humor, and a hint of horror into an unforgettable theatrical experience.
While Little Shop has run consistently off-Broadway for more than 30 years, the film version, starring Rick Moranis as Seymour, cemented the show as a cult classic.
Ms. Gray said that while the show is a mix of horror and comedy, driven by a talking Venus flytrap plant and a popular rock soundtrack, it offers many educational benefits to her students as well.
“In my time at Saint Viator, I have tried to curate shows that I think will educate our students through a variety of genres and styles, from golden age musicals to Fosse,” Ms. Gray says. “Coming off of last season’s fairy tale themed shows, it felt like our students were craving something a little more modern for this year’s musical.
“After choosing Clue as the fall play, Little Shop of Horrors felt like the obvious choice for a comedy, murder-mystery themed season of shows,” she adds. “And with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman (Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin) and music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Hercules, Tangled), the show is sure to leave audiences with their toes tapping.”
Cast members include sophomore Joe Kaiser and junior Kenzie Schwabe sharing the role of Seymour, and sophomore Elle Hohmeier and senior Jos Mendez sharing the role of Seymour’s love interest, Audrey.
Kenzie has appeared in musicals since junior high at St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove, and she enjoyed being in Saint Viator’s production of Cinderella last year, but Little Shop offers some new challenges.
“I really like this show because it’s a very unique story,” Kenzie says, “so we all get to do exciting things that we wouldn’t usually be able to do in a more traditional musical. It’s really fun, with a lot of different twists that I think audiences will enjoy.”
Shows take place at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4. Tickets are $15 and are recommended for patrons 13 and up for its adult content. Purchase them here.
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.