This year’s annual Upper School musical production, based on 1960s comedy-horror film “Little Shop of Horrors,” hosted its opening night today.
The play follows a floral shop worker named Seymour (Leo Horwitz, ‘21), as he stumbles across a unique man-eating plant (Victor Kao, ‘21). The plant, Audrey II, who Seymour names after his co-worker and secret love Audrey, begins to demand more human flesh and blood. Eventually, Seymour, with the help of Audrey (Olivia Houston, ‘19), learns to juggle his love life and career in a series of comical events.
Lead director Ms. Kari Jensen, who will be directing her first official show at Taipei American School this year, said that this musical production is extremely different and unique compared to the other musicals that are out there. Although humorous, the play takes a more gruesome approach, which is why parental guidance is advised for younger children.
Having directed this particular show twice in previous schools, Ms. Jensen said that the cast and stage sizes were some of the biggest differences that she noticed regarding her experience at TAS compared to other schools.
The musical production will also be a new experience for many including Nicole Lin (‘21), who will be playing Chiffon, one of three girls who lead the Doo Wop Girls. “I wasn’t going to do it at first. I have always been interested in musicals but I was scared of the acting part, and then Ms. Jensen encouraged me to do it.”
The production has also tested the limits of the actors. Leo Horwitz said, “This is my first time in a lead role and [having] so many lines that it’s overwhelming. The hardest part has been memorizing the songs, and getting all the notes and harmonies down.”
Despite these difficulties, Leo said “I think that people will definitely enjoy the show and have a good laugh along the way.”
The shows on Oct. 25-26 will start at 7:30 p.m., while the last show on Oct. 27 will start at 2:00 p.m.