By Kath Gannaway
Feeding plants on the traditional blood and bone takes on a whole new meaning with Healesville High School’s 2017 production of the sci-fi horror musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.
The season opened at the school’s Ion Whykes Auditorium on Thursday night (24 August).
The storyline of a plant that develops and thrives on a diet of human blood (with the odd bit of offal and bone thrown in), and pumped up with a 1960s pop/rock score, choreography and costume, delivered a high-energy musical with moments of endearing pathos, some great one-liners, loads of student talent and lots of fun.
Several plot twists add anticipation to the horror and humour.
Director Trent Morison said the 2017 production had come together after months of hard work by the cast and crew.
“You never fail to blow me away with your passion for the theatre,” he said in a pre-show message to the cast and crew.
“This passion directly translates to the hard work and professionalism you have demonstrated over the past six months to produce what truly is an exceptional show,” he said.
“Continue to create wonderful memories on or behind the stage, continue to dedicate yourselves to your passions and dreams and most importantly, continue to shine like the stars you are.”
Members of the audience joined the cast and crew at the end of the show to perform a tribute song in memory of former teacher, Sue Contarino (Miss Tanner) who died earlier this year from ovarian cancer.
Mr Morison said she had been an integral part of the school’s productions over the years and an inspiration and mentor for students.
Little Shop of Horrors is great family, feel-good entertainment and tickets are still available for the evening shows tonight (Friday) and Saturday, and the Sunday matinee.
Book online up until 4pm each day for the Friday and Saturday shows, and up until 1pm on the Sunday.
Tickets will be available at the door if not sold out.
For information phone 5962 4088.
