) who has huge dreams. Things go bonkers once the plant, named Audrey II , starts to crave more than plant food and has aspirations of world domination.
The trifecta of Salazar, Rodriguez and Riley are the beating heart of this play, bringing all the elements of what this musical is together. Salazar brings the sci-fi geekiness and earnestness with Seymour, Rodriguez brings the unwavering heart and hope with Audrey and Riley brings full-out campy pizzazz as Audrey II.with its inclusive casting in roles that are typically portrayed by white actors.
in a role that is typically voiced by a man, Riley booms with soul and is a hovering botanical threat as her performance devours the audience.From the beginning, Brittany Campbell, Tickwanya Jones and Cheyenne Isabel Wells belt out sickening blends and harmonies and maintain the show’s R&B soul throughout, serving up some serious Destiny’s Child and En Vogue funky divas realness.
The cast also sings with Tony-nominated actor Kevin Chamberlin as the high-strung flower shop owner Mr. Mushnik while Matthew Wilkas seamlessly wears multiple hats as a myriad of characters during the show but brings sociopathic flair to his main role as the toxic Orin Scrivello — who is also Audrey’s abusive boyfriend.
The marvel of the monster, man-eating plant known as Audrey II grows in size and spectacle as the story unfolds and definitely brings the essence of B-movie ridiculousness. It is careful not to cross the line of absurd and manages to be scary enough. Major kudos should be given to the musical’s puppeteers Tyler Bremer, Kelsey Kato, Tim Kopacz, Sarah Kay Peters and Paul Turbiak for bringing the deathly funny and monstrous Audrey II to life.