When you see as much community theatre as I do you start to notice that certain shows are a big challenge for amateurs to put on and other shows seemingly bring out the best in those same performers. This is often the case with plays that have less moving pieces to execute well (See How They Run, Noises Off!, Arsenic and Old Lace, Harvey are some of my favorites.) In the world of musicals one surprising show I’ve noticed is almost always a win with community theaters is Little Shop of Horrors. There’s something about the weirdness of the material that makes everyone involved just go for it and it almost always leads to a great night of community theatre. Such was my experience with Empress Theatre‘s new production of Little Shop. It’s a horror filled delight of a night and one of the strongest shows I’ve seen from them.

This production at Empress is directed by Nanny McKenzie and they use mostly the bottom level of their unique stage (I might have had the Urchins more on that top level but as most of the action is staged at Mushnik’s Flower Shop it works being on the main floor.) The lead of Seymour is played by Riley Ernst, and he brings the awkward manic quality to the role. Particularly in Act 2 he makes us feel sorry for Seymour as things with Audrey II are getting more unhinged and out of control.

The real star of the night, however, is Taylor Cahoon as Audrey. Not only does she have an outstanding singing voice for songs like “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Suddenly Seymour” but she captures the simplistic view of the world and sweet nature of Audrey perfectly making us feel very badly for how she is being treated by Orin the abusive dentist (Carl Smith.) I also really enjoyed Michelle Frierson, Rebecca Meats and Leyla Vave as the the Urchins.

Of course with any production of Little Shop one has to talk about the puppets. Audrey II is operated by Easton Fairclough and voiced by Joshua Adams. I love how the 2nd stage of the plant has legs giving it an almost human feeling. I’ve rarely been so up close to an Audrey II and it made the entire experience feel immersive and fun. The costumes are also quite impressive by Aiden Christensen and Lisa Shortridge. I particularly enjoyed all of Audrey’s looks including an opening ensemble with a tartan plaid coat that looked great on Cahoon. It is also unique to have an Audrey without blonde hair. It’s nice to have a fresh take on a familiar character.

Of course, Little Shop of Horrors does have some violence and mature content but nothing that an older child or teen can’t handle. It is playing at The Empress until March 14th so there’s still a lot of time to see this excellent production. Tickets can be purchased here.