Hop over to skid row to be enchanted by Stratford Festival's production of Little Shop of Horrors.

There truly is no topping what Stratford puts on. Anything they set their heart to, they go hard, strong, and with all of the passion in the world. You can feel the love put into this show. From the actors to the sets, everything is clean, crisp, and polished.

The highlight of the show, though, is our narrating trio, whose voices soar through each note. They are all extremely talented ladies, with an energy about them that makes you want more. I wouldn't be upset if suddenly they sang every part, let's put it that way. Ronette (Vanessa Sears), Crystal (Starr Dominigue), and Chiffon (Camille Eanga-Selenge) are actors to watch.

From left: Starr Domingue as Crystal, Vanessa Sears as Ronnette, and Camille Eanga-Selenge as Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors. Photography by Cylla von Tiedemann, used with permission of the Stratford Festival. 

The leads, Seymour (André Morin) and Audrey (Gabi Epstein) had great chemistry on stage. A friendship and love unmatched, it all came to a head in the famous song, Suddenly Seymour, which had the entire audience's attending and undying love. My hair was certainly standing up.

Gabi Epstein as Audrey and André Morin as Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors. Photo by Chris Young, used with permission of the Stratford Festival. 

The lighting was fantastic, fitting the time and place just right, changing and moving with such ease.

From left: Starr Domingue as Crystal, André Morin as Seymour Krelborn, and Vanessa Sears as Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors. Photo by Chris Young, used with permission of the Stratford Festival. 

Costuming is key in the production, and Stratford Festival really understood that. This was another huge highlight of the show—true brilliance of characterization through clothing.

Now, for our last note. Audrey 2. The plant itself was otherworldly. He had various levels of growth, each unique and beautiful. Vibrant greens definitely stood out in the 50s and 60s aesthetic of the set and costumes.

The actor for Audrey 2, Matthew G. Brown, was pure talent. Taking the stage every time he spoke, he portrayed emotions perfectly through his voice alone. Surprise! He appeared as a (silent) police man in the first act. 

Steve Ross (left) as Mr. Mushnik and André Morin as Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann, used with permission of the Stratford Festival. 

And a big round of applause to all of the talent of the 4 puppeteers who helped move Audrey 2's mouth and tongue. Great work always being on the note!

For us, this was the definitive production of Little Shop of Horrors, and we feel so very lucky to have been able to experience it.

André Morin (left) as Seymour Krelborn and Dan Chameroy as Orin, the Dentist, in Little Shop of Horrors. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann, used with permission of the Stratford Festival. 

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