Tonight I had the great opportunity to view a Technical rehearsal for Little Shop and see the talented cast, crew, directors and designers working hard to put everything together. And at first glance, it look amazing!!

Coy Middlebrook and his team of designers have added some unique touches to the set by creating a world within a world: There's a revolve that holds Mr. Mushnik's flower shop, complete with exposed, rotting brick walls, smudged windows, and depressing, bland curtains. Then, above that, is a balcony on which the band sits, as well as Elliott Dash (Audrey 2), sitting center, overlooking his domain. It's quite a cool effect.

I saw a lot of cool lighting effects, too: ominous red, sci-fi green, and of course, natural lighting, as well as some neat costumes (including an exaggerated Elvis-like wig for Evan Casey, who plays Audrey's sadistic boyfriend Orin).

All of this combined with such a strong cast makes the story really come to life with its colorful characters inside their now fully realized world. And what a cast it is--such strong voices with personalities to match!

Here's a short video clip of "Suppertime Reprise" where you can get a sense of what the show will look like, as well a glimpse of the moving, talking, singing plant! It's really going to be a wild ride and I hope you all can come with us--previews start in two days!!

Check back next week for my Opening Night entry, thanks for reading!

-katie b :)