Amanda Ross

Editor-In-Chief

This post was originally published on November 5.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, Behrend Studio Theatre performed Little Shop of Horrors in the upper level of the Fasenmyer building. The musical, which revolves around a flower shop assistant named Seymour who comes into possession of a strange and often blood thirsty plant named Audrey II, was another success for the already well-regarded program.

Little Shop was directed by Jack McBride, with assistant direction by head of Studio Theatre Emily Cassano. Even before the show began, the tone was set incredibly well. Nate Shower, an ensemble member, hobbled about the audience dressed in beggars clothes asking for donations to Studio Theatre. This not only provided a way for people to donate directly to the program, but also immersed audience members in the poverty stricken reality of the show’s Skid Row setting. The stage crew did an incredible job on the set, which consisted of a doorstep, along with a unfolding room that closed and opened as needed. While the set was not overly complicated, it was intricately decorated, helping to ease the transition from the street to the shop. The shop’s inside was also redecorated several times during the show to bring in new details as well as accommodate the growing Audrey II puppet. All of this contributed to making the set feel as alive as any other member of the cast.

Each actor brought both a depth and understanding to their characters not often seen in roles as iconic as the ones within Little Shop. Often, famous performances of musicals can codify certain mannerisms and affects to a character, making it difficult for new performers to find their own voice. Yet Owen Gilroy and Norah Dana, who played Seymour and Audrey respectively, did not feel burdened by the expectations of productions past. Instead, both portrayals felt unique while still maintaining the core of the characters. Gilroy in particular naturally grew in confidence as Seymour gained status, and ended the show as a man who had risen to the heights of society and fallen back to Earth just as quickly. Dana elevated her character by portraying Audrey not as a naive victim, but as someone merely grasping for the basic respect and dignity that is so easily given to others. 

Neither would be complete, however, without their supporting cast. Aiden Herrell-Ward and William Streicher, Mushnik and Orin respectively, continually shined in their roles. Streicher in particular appeared in multiple other small roles throughout the show, but maintained a high energy and bombastic stage presence. The four urchins, played by Anyssa Keeling-Oliver, Grace Freer, Grace Garrity, and Melanie Blevins, blended together to create a soulful Greek chorus who underscored many intense moments. The ensemble, composed of Nate Showers, Kendal Smith, Emma Burkett, Myracle Tennant, and Vanessa Forster, also added a sense of liveliness to the set, bringing Skid Row to life with a number of comedic and casual moments. Jaymin Williams, assisted by Sienna Exler and Bella Eibl as puppeteers, imbued Audrey II with a brassy, drag queen-esque energy that infected every scene in which the massive plant puppet appeared. 

Yet, even with all the other great qualities of Studio Theatre’s production of Little Shop, it has one major boon. The show masterfully leans into the comedic and campy side of the musical, something often overlooked in favor of its more horrific aspects. Scenes often included physical comedy, deadpan humor, and several added skits. A highlight came during the song “Da-Doo”, in which two ensemble members mime a robbery in time with the song’s rhythm. 
In today’s climate, where so often we are bombarded by negativity and the horror of modern society, being able to forget life for two hours and delve into the bizzaro world of Little Shop is a welcome and needed respite. The three remaining shows for Nov. 6, 7, and 8, are currently sold out, but unclaimed tickets are available at the door ten minutes after the show begins.