The Thomas Jefferson drama crew is at it again, producing yet another great play, The Little Shop Of Horrors, running from March 14 through the 17th.
Artwork by Ed Gloor
TJ Drama Director Michael Palmieri is busy at work with the spring play, The Little Shop Of Horrors, which is a well- known rock, comedy musical, and is going to be ready for the Thomas Jefferson Community to view on March 14, 15, and 16 at 7 p.m. in the TJ Auditorium. Palmieri says that he is really excited for this play, and that it’s just a great, fun show.
In this play there is one major love interest, which is between the main male lead, Seymour, and main female lead, Audrey. Seymour’s character is seen as kind of nerdy in the play and, as Palmieri says, he doesn’t have the best self -image. The problem with this love connection is that Audrey is dating a sadistic dentist. The dentist commands attention in the musical, as he is addicted to laughing gas, Nitrous Oxide, and tortures his patients.
Seymour and Audrey are co-workers in a flower shop called Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists, which is the main setting of the play. One day while working, Seymour stumbles upon a magical little plant. “After finding the exotic plant, Seymour decides to nurse it back to health,” said Palmieri. “He then names the plant Audrey II after his love, Audrey. However, what Seymour doesn’t realize is that the plant is actually an alien; and more aliens are going to come to take over the world.” Palmieri says the play will only get crazier from there, and to figure out what happens one will have to go see the play!
This spring musical has many eminent TJ performers and coaches who will help make it a five star performance. Seymour Krelborn will be played by Senior Keith Hussey and the lead female role is played by Senior, Sarah Francis- Gardiner. Junior Jordan Antonio will play the flower shop owner, Mr. Mushnik. The crazy dentist will be portrayed by Freshman Marcos Descalzi, and Senior Whitney Hackbarth will be playing the role of Ronnette. The voice of the plant, Audrey II, will be Sophomore Ben Schweitzer. Freshman Sarah Pucket and Sophomores Delaniy Winder and Jasmine Hicks will play the puppeteers, who help animate Audrey II. Junior Ashley Fulkerson will be playing the role of Chiffon, Freshman Kellsie Forfar-Jones will be Crystal and Freshman Alisse Fullerton will be playing multiple roles.
The drama crew has been hard at work practicing and conditioning for the musical. “Ms. Sorenson is directing the students singing, Coach Burns is in charge of conditioning, and Ms. Fulkerson is doing the choreography with the performers along with helping myself with practicing the dialog and blocking,”said Palmieri. The puppeteers are the one’s undergoing most of the conditioning, as they have to hold up very heavy puppets. Palmieri says that even though they have very little time before the play, he is confident they will do well because of the great cast and fabulous technical crew.
“The drama crew has done some pretty serious plays like RENT and A Midsummer Nights Dream,” said Palmieri. “With this play it’s just really fun and I think different from what we have been doing. Everyone should come early to the show and come often.” The fun comedy will be from March 14th to the 17th at 7 p.m. in the TJ auditorium. Tickets are availble for purchase at tjjournal.com, adults tickets will be 10 dollars in advance and 12 dollars at the door and for students the prices will be five dollars in advance and seven at the door.
