OHHS poised for "Little Shop of Horrors" production

Steve Keenan, The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.
Updated ·2 min read

Apr. 24—OAK HILL — "Feed me, Seymour."

The Oak Hill High School Theater Department will present the Broadway version of "Little Shop of Horrors" during the May 3-5 weekend.

According to Dr. Joseph Dangerfield, director of choirs and theater at the high school, his students themselves chose to perform "Little Shop of Horrors," and he says the cast has made an impression on him with their efforts so far. "The cast is doing such a phenomenal job," he said.

The students won the roles in auditions, Dangerfield said, and that enabled them to continue their learning process in the theatrical realm. "This term, we are working on understanding and developing character identity, and how that affects our understanding of the role," he said. "All of them bring their unique flair to these parts, and they work very well together."

"Everything has been pretty smooth," he said of recent rehearsals.

Dangerfield said the school got a big assist from an individual in Wyoming County who had the puppets needed to pull off the production.

"We were able to borrow the Audrey II puppets from a retired theater director in Wyoming County," he said. "They all function, and add such a great element to the production.

"Julia Marty, our puppet master, has been essential in bringing the plant to life. Audiences will see Seymour, Audrey and others brought to life, and hear some terrific music performed, as well."

Production dates are as follows:

—May 3, 6 p.m.

—May 4, 2 p.m.

—May 5, 2 p.m.

The show features the following students and staff:

—Heath Gilliam as Seymour

—Maraeya Stewart as Audrey

—Amelia Bennett as Ronnette

—Lilianne Harman as Chiffon

—Joy Carver as Crystal

—Alex Richardson as Mrs. Mushnick

—Addison Coleman as Orin

—Julia Marty as the puppeteer for Audrey II

—Joseph Dangerfield as the voice of Audrey II.

Other students appear as extras.

Tickets are $10 at the door.

"Come out and support your local students and our program," Dangerfield said.

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