LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: St. Joseph Catholic High School

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A Production With a Bite: St. Joseph Catholic School Little Shop of Horrors

By Zoe Kustra

Morinville Community High School

While most “gotta get outta Skid Row,” anyone with the wonderful pleasure of seeing St. Joseph’s Catholic School’s horrifically humorous production of Little Shop of Horrors wouldn’twant to be anywhere else! A classic musical, with book and lyrics Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, this final show by St. Joseph’s director Ashley Kirk takes the iconic musical and brilliantly keeps the atmosphere, fresh, campy, and hysterically comedic—balanacing goosebumps not only from the talented cast, but from horror too.

Debuting all the way back in 1982: Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour Krelborn, a poor

florist (played by Jerome Alday), in which during a total eclipse, discovers an unusual plant.

Naming it Audrey II, inspired by the first Audrey (played by Arielle Chaves), the woman

Seymour pines after—Seymour soon learns how uniquely bizarre Audrey II actually is. As when the plant grows, so does its craving for human blood and flesh.

It would be impossible not to give kudos to Jerome Alday and Arielle Chaves portrayals of

Seymour and Audrey. From Seymour’s body language being a constant highlight for comedy,

Audrey’s stunning rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green,” and their absolutely showstopping duet of “Suddenly Seymour,” each moment was brimming with character. Lyle Hunter’s performance as Orin the Dentist was one, even without the human-eating plant, that could’ve left the audience disturbed, uncomfortable, and horrified in the best way possible. Among the talented Street Urchins, Audrilana Gregorio as Ronette notably stood out—whose vocals, constant energy, and comedy brought such life to every scene.

However, it’d be even more impossible not to mention the individuals behind bringing the

beautiful (and shockingly giant) puppets of Audrey II to life. Mary Mahe provided a nightmarish and stunning voice to the monstrous plant, leaving anyone with chills after watching “Feed Me (Git It!) or “Suppertime.” Of course, praise has to be given to the talented manipulator behind Audrey II: Saturn Chomlak. Having only three weeks to learn the medium of puppeteering, any audience could hardly tell that fact—as the beautifully crafted puppets never had a dead moment.

Beyond performances, the set of Little Shop of Horrors was phenomenal. Despite a smaller stage space, the beautifully crafted environment carried such attention to detail. Managing, even, to include a live student band on stage which played instead of traditional tracks, and was outstanding to hear and witness. Further from the stage was the show’s PR team, whose

playbills, tickets, and student-made merchandise carried such fun and meticulous designs.

Every bit of effort and care was visible during the show, and the professionalism put in by

company and tech was just as clear. Although some muffled mics and heavy breathing at times, those feel like the world’s tiniest nitpicks next to the exceptionality of St. Joseph’s production. It was apparent that the audience left the theater in nothing other than awe, amazement, and chills—and with one clear message: “Don’t feed the plants!”

Feed Me!

By Noemi Milne

Strathcona High School

There is something deeply unsettling about how easy it is to succumb to ambition. In Little Shop of Horrors, the classic musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, St. Joseph Catholic High School’s production demonstrates that ambition doesn’t creep in quietly—it sprouts under fluorescent lights and bares its teeth petal by petal. From the first number, the show makes its intentions clear: this is a story about hunger. Hunger for power. Hunger for success. Hunger for love. And, of course, hunger for something far more literal—human flesh.

The story followed meek yet charming floral assistant Seymour Krelborn, whose life changes after discovering an unusual, bloodthirsty plant. Initially using the plant to gain recognition and revenge, Seymour quickly finds himself entangled in a bargain that demands far more than he ever intended to give.

One of the highlights of the remarkable talents of the students was the carnivorous plant,

Audrey II, as a superbly and intricately crafted puppet. Audrey II became the most visually

stimulating element of the production, guided by the precision of Saturn Chomlak and voiced with delicious expressiveness by Mary Mahe. The duo helped transform the plant into a hilarious and genuinely menacing character. Vocally, a powerful girl group, the Ursulines, portrayed by Shumi Lole (Crystal), Audrilana Gregorio (Ronnette), and Anjali DeSilva (Chiffon), stood out as they blended vibrant harmonies with a unique style. Seymour, played by Jerome Alday, was nerdy and endearing, while his crush, Audrey, played by Arielle Chaves, resembled a 1920s screen starlet. Meanwhile, Lyle Hunter, the dentist, nearly stole the show as the sadistic dentist and fully committed to the character’s sleazy bravado with razor-sharp comedic timing.

The team created a production that combined advanced technical elements with visually

intricate details to build a contemporary yet timeless experience. The combination of layered posters and complex projections together with a fully realized storefront grounded Skid Row in lived-in realism. The team showed impressively creative solutions to various challenges, including their limited wing space, a three-week school strike, and a massive set change that involved a growing puppet. Furthermore, the lighting design functioned as a separate narrative element, which accomplished its technical storytelling prowess. The show used different colors and intensities of light, which showed how power between characters moved through the scenes. Additionally, the orchestra helped build the dark yet whimsical ambiance for the show. The steady rhythms and precise runs in the clarinet and trumpet, paired with lyrical phrasing from the oboe, evoked the comedic pauses and created lasting suspense without overshadowing the actors.

I have often searched for a musical that would leave me feeling full and reluctant to leave my

seat. While I was treated to an impressive technical display and strong performances, what

resonated most was the unmistakable sense that the cast and crew operated as a family. Trust, collaboration, and undeniable chemistry were felt throughout every part of the production, and by the final bow, the only thing left growing was my admiration.

Feed Me, Seymour: A Bloody Brilliant Show

By Mikaela Cabalo

Oscar Romero High School

Down on Skid Row, the folks are broke and life’s a joke, and finding somewhere that’s green ain’t easy—until a little extraterrestrial chlorophyll starts growing in the next-door flower shop. But that’s nothing to worry about, right? St. Joseph’s production of Little Shop of Horrors was vivacious, entertaining, and deserving of all the flowers.

Little Shop of Horrors is a 1982 horror comedy musical written by Alan Menken and

Howard Ashman and was based on the 1960 film. The musical follows a poor Seymour

Krelborn whose life gets turned upside down when he finds a mysterious plant with a

thirst for blood. Though clumsy and shy, Seymour skyrockets into fame as he rises up

from the gutter and gets the girl of his dreams with the help of the plant’s eye-catching

nature; however, not all things go as expected.

There are thousands of words in the English dictionary, but not one could be used to

encapsulate the talent Crystal (Shumi Lole), Ronnette (Audrilana Gregorio), and Chiffon

(Anjali DeSilva) have. From raggedy sweaters to glittering dresses, this thrilling trio’s

theatrical skills gripped the audience’s attention every second they were on stage. Their

flamboyant energy, powerhouse vocals, and sassy characterizations instantly made

them a fan-favourite among audience members. Lole, Gregorio, and DeSilva were a

true and flawless triple-threat as Skid Row’s soulful Street Urchins.

The infamous Audrey II certainly put the horror in this little shop. As the puppet

increased in size during the show, it seemed almost alive, growing more menacing with

every transition—a brilliant feat of puppetry brought to life by Mary Mahe’s and Saturn

Chomlak’s synchronized coordination. Mahe’s voice, Chomlak’s manipulation, and the

collaborative work of the students who constructed the puppet terrifyingly executed their

work in creating a new breed of flytrap with perfection.

Sweet and nerdy was Jerome Alday as Seymour. His nimble physicality and magnetic

singing brought a warmth and heart to the character that lit up the stage.

Great theatre does not happen overnight. It is built and nurtured within every individual

no matter their role, and this production’s cast, crew, and orchestra exemplify that

thoroughly. The collective efforts of every student transformed the stage into a world

blooming with artistry and spirit. All actors were constantly in tune with their characters

during big dance numbers and emotional scenes. Green and red lights may have

served to intensify the mood, but they also highlighted the amazing set and props. The

orchestra had impeccable timing, excellently balancing volume and energy. All in all, the

students weaved together their skills into a show that masterfully displayed their

dedication and passion for theatre and storytelling.

St. Joseph’s rendition of Little Shop of Horrors was a big show of spectacle, a testament

to the cast and crew’s brilliance and prowess. As the lights began to dim, this production

left the audience wanting to see more and one important warning: don’t feed the plants!

Little Shop of Horrors: St. Joseph’s Catholic High School

Review

by Harseeret Pooni

Aurora Charter School

Watching a gluttonous plant grow uncontrollably after feasting on human flesh is truly an unmatched experience. St. Joseph’s interpretation of Little Shop of Horrors is an amusing paradise of both humour and theatrical storytelling woven tightly together. Watching family-like cast and crew members working their hardest to put on this exhilarating show is all anyone would need to make their day.

Little Shop of Horrors is a whimsical musical that never fails to crack a few laughs. It follows thetale of a downtrodden flower shop assistant named Seymour, along with his beloved co-worker Audrey. During a total eclipse, Seymour discovers an unusual looking plant which he names Audrey II, but only later does he realize that the plant feeds on human flesh! Despite the dangers lingering around this eccentric plant, it seems to attract a great deal of business for the plant shop that was previously unsuccessful. As the horrific plant grows exponentially bloodthirsty with each human it consumes, Seymour must figure out how to tame the dreadful monster he created.

Among the many aspects of this show that kept the audience captivated, the set, music, and

lighting were especially outstanding. Directed by mentors, students worked together to build the substantial plant puppet, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the show. The lighting and staging used to draw attention to this puppet was an act of genius. With each appearance on stage, the plant was cast with a deep red spotlight, emphasizing its gradual growth and menacing nature.

Something crucial to note is that the stage the students were performing on lacked wingspace, which meant that they had to establish staging and blocking without relying on wingrooms to exit or enter. The cast and crew handled this dilemma beautifully, as they used the aisles in the theater to enter the stage throughout! Additionally, whenever a character had to exit, they disappeared behind a wall on stage that doubled as the set.

In terms of the music, both the live orchestra and ensemble demonstrated this school’s

appreciation for music in theatre. The student orchestra was right next to the stage, and witnessing the musicians interact live with the actors in a series of call and response was otherworldly. Each note and harmony struck by the ensemble resonated throughout the theatre and filled the audience with joy. Anjali DeSilva, Shumi Lole, and Audrilana Gregorio as the Street Urchins seasoned the air with their rich vocals, no matter how difficult the harmony or how high the belt.

Along with amazing tech elements and music, the actors in this production embraced their

characters and demonstrated their unique interpretations through consistent accents, expressive physicality, and profound expressions. They took calculated risks and filled the stage with their fiery passion through surprising stunts and synchronised choreography. Creepy lines were delivered in a somewhat humorous way, keeping the production amusing and enjoyable.

All in all, St. Joseph’s team spun together an unforgettable production. From every minor detail to iconic songs or plot points, this school expressed their love for theatre and storytelling in the most tasteful, flamboyant way imaginable.

Growing Something Spectacular

By Sydney Kallis

Holy Trinity High School

A flicker of stage lights, the hum of the band, and the promise of something unusual lurking in a flower shop set the tone as St. Joseph Catholic High School brought Little Shop of Horrors to life with energy, humour, and heart. I had the honour of watching St. Joseph’s production not once, but twice, and both times, I was completely immersed from the opening moment to the final note. As someone who has always considered Little Shop of Horrors my favourite musical, finally seeing it performed live felt like a dream come true.

Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of Seymour Krelborn (Jerome Alday), a timid florist’s

assistant who discovers a strange plant with a hunger for human blood. Alongside him, Audrey (Arielle Chaves) shines with heartfelt vulnerability and charm, adding emotional depth and sweetness that beautifully balances the show’s darkness. Alongside its doo-wop soundtrack and shocking twists, the musical explores ambition, greed, and consequence.

The Urchins, Chiffon (Anjali DeSilva), Crystal (Shumi Lole), and Ronnette (Audrilana Gregorio) were a powerful trio who sent shivers down my spine with each note they sang. Individually, each performer showcased impressive vocal talent, but together their harmonies were nothing short of spectacular. They served as the energetic backbone of the production, guiding the audience through the story with confidence and flair.

One of the most impressive elements of the show was Audrey II. Mary Mahe, the voice behind the plant, delivered a commanding vocal performance that brought both personality and menace to the character. Paired with Saturn Chomlak’s puppeteering, Audrey II truly felt alive! Controlling such a massive prop while maintaining fluid movement is no small feat, yet Chomlak handled it with remarkable skill. Their seamless teamwork made the plant one of the most captivating parts of the production.

Beyond the performances, the technical elements strengthened the show. The lighting

effectively shifted between playful and suspenseful moments, enhancing the mood of each

scene. The choreography and stage presence were equally impressive, with every performer

fully committing to their roles through expressive movement and energy, making even small moments feel dynamic and alive.

Another standout feature was the live band. Composed of some of St. Joseph’s talented music students. Having live music adds a layer of energy and authenticity that makes theatre truly magical! Adrianna Silverio on bass and Liam Ebel on keyboard were just two of the standout instrumentalists who drove the rhythm and atmosphere of each number. Their skill elevated the overall experience and added depth to the production.

The level of talent displayed both on stage and in the pit was a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the students at St. Joseph Catholic High School. Every production this group presents continues to impress, and Little Shop of Horrors proves just that. This show was an unforgettable experience, one that I would happily watch again and again!