'Little Shop' Invades Broadneck This Weekend

The story of a man-eating plant and its hapless owner will be told on stage by more than 50 students this weekend.

Little Shop of Horrors debuted Thursday night, with repeat performances set for Friday and Saturday nights. The play stars seniors Pace McConkie as Seymour, Malcolm Jones as Audrey II, Mark Hollerbach as Orin Scrivello, Paige Miller as Audrey, and John LaRussa as Mr. Mushnik.

Journey to Skid Row in the offbeat tale of a nerdy florist who finds romance and success with help from a man-eating plant who just won't stop eating. 

Jones, who performs most of the play as a puppet, said he really sunk his teeth into the role of a man-eating plant.

“I get to be sassy and mean and no one can do anything about it,” he said.

Playing a sadistic dentist stretched Hollerbach's talent, he said.

“It puts a strain on your acting skills to be that terrible,” said Hollerbach. “But I enjoyed the challenge.” 

Hollerback and LaRussa starred in the as Kenickie and Danny Zuko, respectively.

Music Director Andrew Lincoln said they've adopted and expanded the play to allow for more performances from the large cast of 50 students, and converted the familiar trio of narrators to a group of four couples. 

“The kids have had a lot of fun learning the 60s doo-wap style,” Lincoln said. “They are really connecting with this American style of music.”

Broadneck's Choral Director Valerie Bennett said this was a much more lighthearted play than last year's West Side Story, and she's enjoyed working with the students.

Little Shop of Horrors will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday in the high school's auditorium. Tickets are $11 general admission and $8 for students and seniors.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or can be ordered with a form that is online at www.broadneck.org.