All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

“FEED ME SEYMOUR!”

This year’s spring play at Pennsauken High School is “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical comedy based on the B-Movie horror “classic” from the 1960s. With music by Alan Menken, best known for his scores from Disney classics such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Tangled,” and lyrics and book by his long-time collaborator, the late, great Howard Ashman, “Little Shop of Horrors” follows the mishaps of Seymour Krelborn, a clumsy, yet charmingly awkward florist shop worker who raises a plant that has a real taste for people.

“Doing ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a total change from anything that’s been done at Pennsauken High School,” says Kate Brown, vocal music director at Pennsauken High School. “It’s a different show for Pennsauken and it’s been a great challenge for the kids.”

“The kids absolutely love the show,” adds Brown. “To see them coming from ‘Guys and Dolls,’ a very clean cut show that we did last year, to this musical, which is much more contemporary is great. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ has more of the jokes they see on television and in the movies. It was fun to see them get that comedy factor.”

As can be very commonplace in high school musical theatre, the cast for “Little Shop of Horrors” has been surprising. Juniors Michael Hartka, who plays the role of Seymour Krelborn, and Hannah Pietzsch, who plays Audrey, had minor roles in last year’s play but shined in auditions. And William Hazel, who plays the show’s sadistic dentist, is a far cry from the role in real life.

“William ran the lines and it was brilliant,” says Brown. “It’s neat to see all of the students play with out-of-the-ordinary characters and their personalities.”

This year’s cast really enjoys the opportunity to stretch their acting muscles.

“It’s an opportunity to make new friends and break out of your shell a little bit,” says Hannah Pietzsch, ‘17.

“It’s an amazing experience and once you try it, it’s always in your life,” adds Michael Hartka, ‘17.

But, Devon Genao Torres, ’16, who plays Mr. Mushnik, says it best. “The show is a great way to show off the hidden talent from kids here at Pennsauken High. Don’t miss this show!!!”

“Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed at Pennsauken High School’s auditorium, located at 800 Hylton Rd., from March 10-12 at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a matinee performance on Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m., which will be held in conjunction with the Senior Citizen Prom. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group tickets rates are available this year and tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. For more information or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.

Other Local High School Musicals

Presented by Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” comes to life on March 3, 4, and 5 at the Scottish Rite Theatre, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood. A fantastic show for children and adults alike, the magic of this classic musical lives on through the hard work of high school performers of Bishop Eustace. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door or online at http://bishopeustace.ticketleap.com/mary-poppins.

The Arts at Camden Catholic High School presents “Pippin,” March 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 13 at 2:00 p.m. With an infectiously unforgettable score from the four-time Grammy-winner, three-time Oscar-winner, and musical theatre giant Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Godspell,” “Children Of Eden”), “Pippin” has been successfully produced on stages ranging from high school to Broadway. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at the high school, 300 Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill. For more information, visit http://www.cchsperformingarts.com.