Peru High School to perform 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Apr. 24—PERU — "The show must go on" is the idea a performance will continue, no matter the adversity.

That's certainly been the case at Peru High School as the theater department has rehearsed "Little Shop of Horrors," which opens at 7 p.m. Friday.

There's been a few issues to overcome, including replacing the musical's lead, but Director Mike Putt is sure by the time Friday rolls around, the cast will be ready for their moment.

"The show is looking good," Putt told the cast prior to rehearsal Monday evening. "It's going to be one of the best performances the school has seen in a decade."

Monday was the first time the cast rehearsed with the pit orchestra, which will provide the music for the show. There was still work to be done syncing the acting with the music.

"We're all seeing each other for the first time," Putt said. "I guarantee that by Friday, it's going to be perfect."

"Little Shop of Horrors" is a comedy horror musical about Seymour, a down-on-his-luck florist, who discovers a sentient, man-eating plant.

Miguel Sebastian plays Seymour. He was a late addition to the cast as the original lead actor dropped out. Admittedly, Sebastian said he wasn't keen on joining the show.

"It's been interesting," he said. "I was willing to step in."

But for Putt, Sebastian, who has been performing since he was a child, was the perfect fit.

"He practically had the show memorized before he got the script," Putt said. "I love listening to him sing."

The plant, named Audrey II, grows bigger and bigger, as does its appetite for human flesh. The plant is operated and voiced by the students. A larger version of it eats more than one cast member throughout the show.

Xen Kelly is the voice of Audrey II and is situated in the pit orchestra.

A doo-wop trio introduces the show and ushers in the scenes.

"We're basically narrators of the show," said Viola Putnam, who plays Chiffon. "My character is fun. She doesn't care about anyone."

Putnam said she enjoys the scenes featuring Orin the dentist.

"He's creepy and a bad character but all of his scenes are fun," she said.

This is the third show under Putt's direction. This weekend's performances will mark a year as director of the theater department. Putt's focus has been rebuilding the program.

That's beginning to take shape, according to the director, who said the community pitched in with set building and materials. Presale tickets have far outpaced previous shows, too.

"That tells me right there, participation in the community, participation in the school is already there," Putt said. "The program is ready to take off now."

Shows for next school year will be announced at Friday's performance.

"Little Shop of Horrors" runs through Sunday.

Spencer Durham can be reached at 765-454-8598, by email at spencer.durham@kokomotribune.com or on Twitter at @Durham_KT.