FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com august 27, 2015 • buzz • The Queens Courier 81 RTC opens the ‘Little Shop of Horrors!’ “Feed me, Seymour, feed me!” demands Audrey II, the man-eating, skid row plant. What’s a flower shop to do? Business has gone to seed and is getting worse. Luckily the Rockaway Theatre Company can nip it in the bud. Their version of the sci-fi musical “Little Shop of Horrors” is as fresh as a daisy. Originally a 1960s “B” movie, this spoof of fright flicks has blossomed into a modern grassroots favorite. Directors Susan Corning and John Gilleece and producer Susan Jasper don’t beat around the bush with their troupe’s crisp, clever revelation of this monstrous flower’s sinister plot. As the story begins, we meet a stunning singing trio. They are a modern Greek chorus narrating the story from start to finish. Affectionately satirizing girl rock groups of the ‘60s, they are aptly named Crystal (Renee Steadman), Chiffon (Tenna Torres) and Ronette (Janicke Steadman-Charles). Their numerous costume changes from evening gowns to jeans (Kerry O’Connor, costume designer extraordinaire) enhance their 1960s attitude. They sing and sway to Jeffrey Arzberger’s musical direction and Gabrielle Mangano’s choreography. Lovable loser Seymour (Donald Gormanly) hits all the right notes as he whines about, and ultimately wins the heart of blonde bombshell Audrey (Reanna Flemons). Both Gormanly and Flemons are outstanding. Though their roles are certainly unconventional, their stage presence is as strong as any leading man and leading lady. Poor Mr. Mushnik (Fred Grieco) has a flowerpot full of trouble. He faces sudden wealth and sudden disaster unless hungry Audrey II stops growing. Yes, this house-sized plant is a real man-eater. But no one has us shaking like a leaf as badly as sadistic motorcycling druggie dentist “Orin, DDS.” He is played to nefarious perfection by local favorite John Panepinto. Supporting players James Dalid and Courtney Canello complete the cast. Of course, the pernicious plant is only makebelieve. Its voice and movements are wonderfully manipulated by Kyle Benoit-Cartier, Andrew Guzman and Steven Wagner. Bravo! The Broadwaycaliber sets and lighting are designed, constructed and coordinated by a dozen talented RTC experts too numerous to name individually. For information on this must-see performance and for future projects, call 718-374-6400, surf to www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org or like them on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN ‘Inspector Descending’ at Secret Theatre’s ‘UNfringed Festival’ The world premiere of playwright Eddie Aronoff’s dark comedy “Inspector Descending” has received overwhelming approval at Secret Theatre’s “UNfringed Festival.” The festival continues through the end of the month in Long Island City. It showcases six new productions that are irreverent and distinctive. At Thursday evening’s premiere, director Thomas G. Waites and producer Shelley Molad offer a very unusual interpretation of Dostoefsky’s masterpiece, “Crime and Punishment,” delivered by a talented cast. Instead of peering into the cerebral motivations of violent Raskolnikov (Taylor August), the plot revolves around the police “Inspector” (Michael Moss). Moss is excellent as an intelligent, cold-hearted, often unsympathetic major character. His fiancée, played by Hannah Wolfe, is much more likable. As doomed victim Lizaveta, she is afforded a much wider range of emotions. Another casualty, Alyona (Cathie Boruch) provides a frequent comedic tone to this often very dark and very abstract production. Cynical, comical “General Prosecutor” (Dennis Wit) is a bureaucratic scoundrel. At one point, what seems to be a farcical scene, transforms into a ruthless revelation of 1860s Russian legal strategies. Although unfolding 150 years ago, the story takes countless anachronistic liberties, occasionally A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN breaks the fourth wall and violates the laws of metaphysics with characters who return to life, though clearly still not alive. The overall effect is very well done. Supporting players contribute to the storyline’s various themes. At times it’s an old-fashioned “whodunit” with misdirection and wrongly accused suspects. Other times it’s a well-stirred mixture of bizarre comedy and metaphysical absurdities. Kudos to the dozen supporting players and behind-the-scenes production crew. The Secret Theatre continues to attract larger audiences with productions that are a welcome change from typical mainstream projects. As director Waites points out, “The Secret Theatre is developing a reputation. A lot of interesting things are coming out of there. More and more people are going…” In the current UNfringed Festival, other show titles include “The Toupee,” “An Intolerant V a u d e v i l l e , ” “Cof f ehous e Magik” and a very unusual variation of “Waiting for Godot.” The Secret Theatre is located at 4402 23rd St. in Long Island City. Call 718-392-0722 or surf to www. secrettheatre.com for information on this and future productions. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Photo courtesy of The Secret Theatre Photo courtesy of Rockaway Theatre Company
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