McNeil theater kicks off the new year of 2016 with the production of Little Shop of Horrors. The show is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.  

The musical follows Seymour Krelborn, the clueless florist, as he learns how to take care of his green friend. Seymour is played by senior Keith Gruber who is grateful to be part of the musical.

“Little Shop of Horrors is actually one of my favorite shows,” Gruber said. “It’s been a challenge getting the set coordinated and the giant plant in such a small theater, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. A lot of people see my character, Seymour, as a pushover, but I think he’s more than that. He’s willing to change his outlook on circumstances because he thinks he’s doing the greater good, but in fact others are just controlling him.”

Junior Sophie Niles plays the romantic interest of the play, Audrey, whose name is bestowed to the mysterious plant by Seymour in his obsession over her.

“I am so excited for this production,” Niles said. “Audrey is such an interesting character.”

In order to perform Audrey, Niles analyzed the character to figure out how to convey her complex personality.  

“Audrey on the surface is a sweet girl, but she’s had a past of abandonment and abuse,” Niles said. “Getting into the mentality of someone like her is a challenge but I tried to find the parallels between me and her. Once I focused on what we had in common, I was able to understand how she could hurt and I found her more vulnerable side. I did a lot of research on victims of abuse and how they got through it, which helped me figure out my character’s strength, although it may be masked by her ditzy demeanor from time to time.”

While Audrey is idolized by Seymour for her beauty, Audrey II steals the show. The plant that grows from the size of a cabbage to a gorilla is played by senior De’Mariel Jones. Jones remains backstage, lending his voice humbly to the veggie Audrey II, which is controlled by puppeteers. Jones forgos the vanity of acting, humbly hiding himself from eyesight to give all his talent to a giant plant-like puppet.

“I’m excited to take on the role of Audrey II,” Jones said. ”Being offstage, I am required to portray Audrey II through a lot of characterization in my voice. There are many difficulties in playing Audrey II such as making sure the puppeteer and I are in synch.”

In order to achieve Audrey II’s voice, Jones had to channel his “inner soulful black uncle.”

The musical premieres Thursday January 21 at 7 p.m. in the LIttle Theater (room A117). Performances run Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 21-23 and Jan. 28-30. Both Saturdays will hold a matinee performance at 2 p.m. in addition to the 7 p.m. showtimes. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults and can be ordered off of the McNeil website linked from the school’s main page.