Danvers Mail

Audrey, portrayed by Katherine Helms, Seymour portrayed by Neil Alford, and Audrey II, voiced by Noah Wheeler.

“Little Shop of Horrors” at OHS

The Olympia High School spring musical this year was the classic Little Shop of Horrors. The show ran on May 12, 13, and 14 in the evening in the OHS auditorium. Olympia High School was granted the permission to perform Little Shop of Horrors by the Music Theatre International. 

This famous Broadway and Hollywood musical has been running for over 30 years, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who also thought of Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin. The production at Olympia High School was directed by Wendy Wade. The vocal director for the musical was chorus teacher, Andrew Gallegos. Tech was directed by Sarah Brown, with student helper, Megan Whitecotton. OHS senior Katherine Helms was the dance choreographer. Finally, costuming for the show was done by Heather Schwarting. 

The storyline was published on the school website as, “The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn (Neil Alford) stumbles across a new breed of plant he names ‘Audrey II’ - after his coworker crush Audrey (Katherine Helms). This nasty, R&B-singing carnivore (voiced by Noah Wheeler) promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it . . . BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination. The cast is rounded out by Mr. Mushnik, the florist (Shay Hunt Schroers), a sadistic dentist (Michael Bagby), and a parody of a 1960s girl-group (Gabby Elless, Julia Collins, and Taylor Frye).” Thank you Wendy Wade for assistance in this article.  

My mom and I attended the Thursday performance of the show and we both gave it two thumbs up! The cast did a very good job performing Little Shop of Horrors. All parts were casted perfectly, adjusting to each of their own personalities. This is definitely a talented and entertaining group of students! The set was also well constructed by the tech crew. Credit to the plant goes to Mt. Pulaski High School for donating “Audrey II” from their past performance of the show. The Olympia High School Drama department would like to thank all other sponsors, support, and helpers too. For more information about this production of any future works by OHS Drama, contact Wendy Wade at (309) 379-5941, ext. 8330.