HERITAGE
ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 2-B
www.heritage.com
April 15, 2010
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ a gem of a show By Angie M. Lai Special Writer
Gardeners beware. The Performance Network in Ann Arbor is going “green” in a big way with its latest production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” “Little Shop of Horrors,” the 1982 Off-Broadway musical about a maneating plant and long a staple of high school theater programs, began life as a 1960s film, perhaps most notable for featuring a brief performance by a young Jack Nicholson. The musical’s score was created by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, shortly to become the golden duo of Walt Disney Studios, responsible for such hits as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin.” The musical recently received a big-budget revival, this time on Broadway, in 2003. The Faustian plot chronicles the adventures of a meek flower shop clerk, Seymour Krelborn (Jason Richards), who adopts an unusual specimen of plant that mysteriously appears following a total eclipse. He names it Audrey II after his co-worker and crush, the beautiful-but-selfesteem-challenged Audrey (Courtney Myers), who is in a relationship with an abusive dentist (Aaron T. Moore). The plant’s uniqueness attracts some attention, but it doesn’t really seem to flourish until Seymour accidentally discovers the key –– human
PLAY REVIEW
blood. At first, Seymour himself provides nourishment. But as Audrey II grows, it demands much more. Jason Richards makes an enjoyable, even loveable Seymour, singing with a strong, clear tenor and giving the character a personality beyond that of the old nerd cliché. His attraction to Audrey seems genuine and heartfelt, especially in their big love duet, “Suddenly Seymour” in the second act. Myers could have added a little more vulnerability to her portrayal of Audrey, but she delivers a fine vocal performance, especially in her wistful solo “Somewhere That’s Green.” B.J. Love as Mr. Mushnik –– Seymour’s boss –– is grumpy but endearing, and the Greek chorus, consisting of three highly talented young ladies (Sharon Brooks, Sharriese Hamilton, and Diviin Huff) provide beautiful harmonies. Arguably the hardest working actor in the cast is Aaron T. Moore, who plays not just one, but nine different characters, including the sadistic Dr. Orin Scrivello. Moore plays Scrivello with such wicked glee that, despite the character’s incredibly nasty personality, he’s fun to watch. This production’s handling of the show’s “real” star, Audrey II, showcases the merits of occasionally re-imagining shows that have been around for years. Traditionally, Audrey II has been played by a male actor with a deep bass voice, and represented onstage by a huge puppet resembling a Venus flytrap. This production takes it in a different direction, not only casting a female (Naz Edwards), but
Photo courtesy of the Performance Network
B.J. Love, Courtney Myers and Jason Richards star in the Performance Network’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” also allowing her to physically replace the puppet plant. It all adds to the campy fun, and ultimately that’s what it’s all about. “Little Shop of Horrors” runs though May 9. Weekly performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with 3 p.m. matinees on April 17 and May 1.
Tickets are priced at $28 to $44 with discounts available for students, seniors, groups and those under age 16. Tickets may be purchased by calling 663-0681, or online at www.performancenetwork.org. Angie M. Lai can be reached at fairfaxII@yahoo. com.
‘Date Night’ a movie with all the right moves MOVIE REVIEW
PAUL BIONDI
Every now and again, a movie delivers exactly what it promises based on what you are able to learn from the trailers, TV commercials and newspaper ads. And sometimes that is a good thing, even if the movie promises only a light, uncomplicated, easy-to-follow romp that, perhaps, more than a few married suburbanites can relate to. “Date Night,” starring the marvelously paired Steve Carrell and Tina Fey, is that movie. Just when you thought you couldn’t go to the movie theater and not see some teen vampire movie or star-driven overcooked drama or a movie that is a special effects blow-up of a comic
book, “Date Night” gives stressed-out husbands and wives a delectable slice of their lives that goes down smooth with no bitter aftertaste. Carrell and Fey have an unmistakable onscreen chemistry that just works in the setting of a couple of overachieving professionals whose weekly date night gets turned on its ear in a wholly unpredictable and inoffensive plot twist involving the mob, the District Attorney and New York’s finest. Carrell’s quirky deadpan delivery is on full display and Fey’s knack for physical comedy is simply fun to watch. There are several scenes where the two of them bring out the best in each other’s complimentary acting abilities
while adding insight to the characters they portray. They are believable as a long married couple who find themselves in a dangerous and implausible fraud scheme that is tense, taut, casual and loose all at the same time. Supporting cast includes a welcome return to playing an organized crime boss by Ray Liotta and a funny and mostly shirtless Mark Wahlberg, who adds just the right amount of straightfaced comic relief that Carrell and Fey play off of effortlessly. “Date Night” is a silly romantic comedy at heart that plays up the suburban angst of a couple who have been together long enough to know that they
are still in love, remain each others best friends and remain able to find the humor in every situation. Surprisingly, the obligatory-yet-inventive car chase scene doesn’t deter from that. Go into the theater expecting to be entertained, but not challenged. Laugh freely at certain softball sexual innuendoes without the risk of being offended by them. Face only a sprinkling of noisy special effects that add to the plot, instead of being a distraction. In other words, have fun at the movies and not leave dreading the inevitable money-grabbing sequel. Paul Biondi can be reached at pbiondi@journalregister.com or 1-248322 2183.
THINGS TO DO: REGIONAL CALENDAR CHELSEA
475-3170.
■ Café McKune 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday: Sixth through 12th grades share art, music or poetry, or just listen. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Performers preregister at 475-8732.
■ Chelsea House Orchestra 7 p.m. Saturday: Featuring the Beach Fiddle Club. Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington. $10 (students, seniors, $5; under 3, free) at Chelsea Pharmacy and at the door. 475-1957.
■ Veterans for Peace meeting 10 a.m. Saturday: Bear Claw Coffee, 12855 East Old-US 12, east of Chelsea near I-94 exit 162. Call 487-9058 or visit www. vfp93.org. ■ “Our Town” Wednesday to Sunday, through May 29: Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Call for performances and prices. 433-7673. ■ Dodworth Saxhorn Band 7 p.m. Tuesday: 19th-century music, drama, poetry and dance. Silver Maples, 100 Silver Maples Drive. Free to seniors, tickets (available at Chelsea Senior Center) required. Some tickets may be available at the door. 475-4111. ■ Transition Town Chelsea 6:30 p.m. Monday: “Alternative Energy” panel discussion with Institute for Sustainable Energy Education cofounders John Richter and Tim Hudson. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732. ■ Sleeping Beauty story time 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday: Classic fairy tale, followed by performance by Youth Dance Theatre. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main st., Chelsea. Free. 475-8732. ■ “Strange Creatures of the Spring Pond” 2 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, Bush Road, Chelsea. $2 (family, $5). $6 vehicle entry fee.
Drive, Chelsea. Tickets at chelseaareaplayers.org. ■ “Fixed Mark” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday: First Congregational Church, 121 E. Middle St. Free. Donations accepted for mission to New Orleans to rebuild homes. 475-1844.
■ Chelsea Ride 9 a.m. Mondays and 6 p.m. Thursdays: Meet at Aberdeen Bike and Fitness, 1175 S. Main St., Chelsea. Free. 1-517- 2856830.
■ “Michigan’s Amazing Minerals” 11 a.m. Saturday: Eddy Discovery Center, Bush Road. Free. $6 vehicle fee. Pre-register at 475-3170.
■ Chelsea Painters Exhibit through April 30: Raymond James and Associates, 350 S. Main St., Ann Arbor.
■ “Midwest Literary Walk” 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday: Walk to various locations for readings by writers. Open mike at Zou Zou’s Café, 3:30 p.m. Free. Walk starts at Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Musical performance 8 p.m. at Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson, $10. Preregistration required. 475-8732.
■ High School Student Art Exhibit “Potential” runs through May 10. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. ■ Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., Saturday: Group tours. 400 N. Main St., Chelsea. Free. 4335499. ■ “Books and Banter” 1:30 p.m. Thursday: Discussion of “The Secret Scripture.” Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Free. Pre-register at 475-8732. ■ “Stitch-Free Tote Bag” 6 p.m. Thursday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732.
DEXTER ■ Pioneer Craft Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: Dexter Area Historical Society. Creekside Elementary School, 2615 Baker Road, Dexter. $3 (first through 12th grades, 50 cents; age 5 and younger, free). 426-8846. ■ “Early Greens” Earth Day hike Noon Saturday: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road, Dexter. $2. $5 vehicle fee. Pre-register at 426-8211.
■ Chelsea Crafts Brigade 7 p.m. Thursday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732.
■ Take Off Pounds Sensibly 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: TOPS meeting, Dexter Senior Center, 7720 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, Dexter. Call 426-7072.
■ “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.” 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday: Chelsea Area Players Youth Theater. Beach Middle School, 445 Mayer
■ “Starting a Vegetable Garden” 7 p.m. Wednesday: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. Free. Preregistration required. 426-4477.
■ Draw Doubles Disc Golf Noon Saturdays: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road. $5. $5 vehicle fee. 449-4300. ■ “Better Off Read” 2 p.m. Thursday: E.L. Doctorow’s “The March.” Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. Free. Pre-registration required. 426-4477. ■ “Jesus Christ Superstar” 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday: Encore Musical Theatre, 3126 Broad St. $28 (seniors, students, $25; groups of 10 or more, $22). 268-6200. ■ “Movies & Muffins for Adults” 2 p.m. Friday: “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. Free. 426-4477. ■ “Frogs and Toads of Washtenaw County” 7 p.m. Saturday: Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Road. $5 vehicle fee. Free. Call 971-6337, ext. 334.
MILAN ■ “The Secret Lives of Freshwater Mussels” 7 p.m. Tuesday: Discussion of native Michigan mussel species endangered by the expansion of the European zebra and quagga mussels. Milan Middle School, 920 North St., Milan. Free. 971-6337, ext. 334.
SALINE ■ Third Saturday Contra Dance 8 p.m. Saturday: Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. $10. 426-0241. ■ “English Day” 3 p.m. Tuesday: Students in
sixth through 12th grades invited to sample British snacks, learn British jokes, and make brass rubbings of royalty, dragons and more. Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road. Free. Pre-register at 429-5450. ■ Saline Ride 6 p.m. Wednesday: Meet at municipal parking lot on Ann Arbor-Saline Road, south of Michigan Avenue. Free. 6455840. ■ Stone and Thistle Garden Club 7:30 p.m. Monday: “More than a Shed.” UAW Local 892, 601 Woodland Drive West. Free. 429-4331. ■ “Thursday Night Contra” 7 p.m. Thursday: Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Drive. $7 (students, $4). ■ Washtenaw Toastmasters 7 p.m. Thursday: Washtenaw Community College, Room LA 238, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. www.washtenawtoastmasters. org. ■ New Horizons Band 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Liberty School, 7265 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline. Free. 429-1742. ■ Ballroom Dance Party 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: Come Dancing, 7025 E. Michigan (Country Creek Plaza). $10. 944-1888. ■ Game Night 6 p.m. Thursday: Borders, 3140 Lohr Road. Free. 9978884. ■ Line Dancing 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: American Legion Hall, 320 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. $6. 429-4840. ■ Saline Woodcarvers 6 p.m. Wednesday: Saline Area Senior Center, 7190 N.
Maple Road, Saline. Free. 9441918. ■ Pottery Instructor’s Showcase Through April 30: Two Twelve Arts Center, 212 W. Michigan Ave. Free, open to the public. ■ Washtenaw Area Council for Children Conference 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday: Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner. $40 by Friday ($50 at the door) Students $15. Call 434-4215. ■ Ann Arbor Antiques Market 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. $6 (age 12 and under accompanied by an adult, free). ■ Pittsfield Open Band 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday: Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. Free. For more information, call 994-9307. ■ Family Dance 2 p.m. Sunday: Pittsfield Union Grange, 3337 Ann ArborSaline Road. $12 per family. 769-1052. ■ “Night and Day” 7 p.m. Sunday: Vocal Arts Ensemble. Proceeds benefit a Holy Faith Church outreach project. First United Methodist Church, 1200 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 649-6831.
YPSILANTI ■ “Merge” 7:30 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday: Choreographer Kerry Allan. Riverside Arts Center, Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $12 (students with ID and age 65 and older, $9; under 5, free) at Arts in Motion, 2841 Boardwalk. Call 1-404-310-0666.