“Little Shop of Horrors” Gives Big Entertainment

Impressive talent, skillful direction, and an unbridled joy in performing were in abundant supply during the Marco Island Academy’s student production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” 

Held recently at MIA’s Rhine Stage, the two-act musical drew frequent applause throughout, and rightfully so, given the excellent acting and singing the youths displayed. 

The play is based on the 1960 black and white movie “The Little Shop of Horrors,” directed by Roger Corman and redone with a new cast in 1986. The comedy tells the story of a down-on-his-luck florist's assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who cultivates a plant he names Audrey II after his coworker and secret crush, Audrey. As the plant grows, Seymour learns that it survives by feeding on human flesh and blood, leading him to confront a series of moral dilemmas and deadly consequences.

“Little Shop of Horrors” debuted off-Broadway in 1982. Since then, it’s become a musical theater staple worldwide, and cult classic with audiences. 

MIA’s performing arts instructor, Christopher Dayett, directed the production. He also handled direction, choreography, set design and puppetry creation. Cayce Benton was the musical director. 

The cast included Joey Kakaty as Seymour, Alina Nguyen as Audrey, and Yo-Yo Sine as Audrey II. They were joined by Logan Yarnell as Orin Scrivello, DDS, and the dynamic singing trio of Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon portrayed by Esha Blanc, Lola Green, and Kyleigh Haueter. MIA’s dean of students, Kevin Ray, portrayed flower shop owner Mr. Mushnik. Students Isabella Diaz, Canon Mille and Michael Martinez-Melara comprised the stage management team. 

For some of the cast, this was their first-ever production. Dayett enjoys watching first-timers make the challenging but fulfilling journey from novice to performer.

“One of my favorite things about educational theater is watching students who have never done theater before get bit by the theater bug and then watching them grow and just really enjoy what they're doing,” he said. “It's really fun to see them growing together as a family - students who probably haven't talked to each other before, outside of this. They didn't know each other and then all of a sudden, they're like one big family.”

MIA senior Yo-Yo Sine was among those making their theatrical debut. The experience has him looking forward to future productions. 

“What really led me to get involved is I really just wanted something to do,” said Sine, who portrayed Audrey II. “I've been feeling very lonely in my time, and I felt like theater would be the best option. And it was. It was like I could be my weird self with all these other people.”

The production was rather bittersweet for sophomore theater veteran Joey Kakaty, whose family is moving to Tennessee after the school year ends. 

“But this has been a lot of fun being able to be with everyone,” said Kakaty, who played Seymour. “I'm just blessed to be a part of it.”

He offered up high praise for the role, the play and everyone involved. 

“Mr. D (Dayett) has worked really hard on all the set pieces and making all the different puppets and getting everyone together and doing a really good job. With all the different songs, this is probably one of my favorite roles that I've ever played.” 

The theater department’s annual fundraising campaign helps generate resources for classroom supplies, productions, travel to regional and state competitions, as well as lodging, among other expenses. To learn more or to donate, please visit marcoislandacademy.org and click on the “Support MIA tab.”