MENDOTA - This year, the Mendota High School Drama Club and Choral Department are excited to bring the campy, cult-classic musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” to the MHS stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 20-22.

All members of the Choir and Drama Club are taking part in creating, producing and performing this production, which is a true team-building experience for all MHS Fine Arts students. The set will depict a flower shop on a run-down, urban street called “Skid Row.” Throughout the production, which features a fun, toe-tapping, early 60s style score and dancing, the audience will see the characters deal with inner turmoil all while a plant from outer space manipulates their lives in an inevitable attempt to eat them all.

In “Little Shop of Horrors,” Seymour, a quiet flower shop assistant, is head over heels for one of his co-workers, Audrey. One night, during a total eclipse, Seymour comes into contact with an unusual plant, which he names Audrey II. But this is no ordinary plant. Instead of fertilizer and water, this plant feeds on human flesh and blood. Its presence attracts a multitude of new customers to the store, and Seymour must find a way to provide new bodies for the plant, while also trying to win Audrey’s affection.

Cast members include (in order of appearance): A Voice Not Unlike God’s-Andrew Stamberger, Chiffon-Maya Martin, Velvet-Bonnie Hall, Crystal-Faith Anderson, Ruby-Lily Linden, Ronnette-Maddy Pappas, Lynette-Alex Stremlau, Wino #1-Zach Compell, The Winos-Eulysses Preciado, Andrew Stamburger, Olivia Eddy, Lizzie Bresley, Leilani Landeros; Mushnik-Liam McGann, Audrey-Olivia Ross, Seymour-Emilio Raya, Clerks-Laura Arenz, Joanna Vasquez, Amaya Olivas, Karsyn Klatt, Riley Cocanour, Kendall Biers, Mia Raya, Karli Miars; Hot Dog Vendor-Liam Indigo, Street Flasher-William Bentley, Nuns-Naitzy Garcia, Andrea Molina; Customer #1-Leilani Landeros, Plant Puppeteers-Liam Indigo, Andrew Stamberger; Voice of Audrey 2-Noah Delong, Interviewer-Eulysses Preciado, Orin “The Dentist”-Matthew Grenter, Customer #2-Joanna Vasquez, Bernstein/Luce/Snip/Martin-Eulysses Preciado, Dead Faces-All cast members.

Although the students were not familiar with “Little Shop of Horrors,” which first appeared as a 1960 movie before its stage debut in 1982 and movie remake in 1986, they quickly got on board. In fact, MHS choral director Lori Schrock and MHS alumnus Eric Masini, Drama Club sponsor and co-director of the play, said the cast has been so well prepared that they have been able to cut back some on rehearsals. “Our cast is really knocking it out of the park,” Schrock said. “We haven’t had to use all our rehearsal time because they’re prepared.” 

Masini and Schrock said it took them a long time to decide on a play this year, weighing whether to choose one with a larger cast versus having a smaller cast and giving the other students opportunities behind the scenes. They also wanted a play that had not been done in the area for some time or one that was completely different. “I think we really nailed it with this one because it’s going to be something new and exciting that the community will want to come and see,” Masini said.

While the central character is a man-eating plant, Schrock and Masini said the play is not particularly scary. There is plenty of humor and the plant is seen more as a funny character rather than ominous one. “I wouldn’t bring a child 8 or younger because it’s a plant that eats people, but it isn’t scary,” Schrock added.

Adding to the upbeat feel of the play is the early 60s rock and roll, doo-wop style music, which Schrock believes the audience will enjoy. “This has more pop culture feel to it,” she said. “We have an electric guitar and bass in the pit and the dancing is fun. There’s a lot for the audience to like.”

Although many in the cast are sophomores and juniors, Masini said this is a very experienced group of students. “We’re lucky in this area because there are many opportunities to be in theatre - the 3M summer shows and other community theater productions,” he said.

Schrock believes the community will be very entertained by this production and also be very impressed with the kids and their talent. “The kids are having a ball and I hope that’s what people see,” she emphasized. “I want the kids to have that recognition. They deserve it. I want people to see that teenagers can be exceptional. I don’t think people expect that.”

Everyone is encouraged to come and support the MHS Drama Club and Choral Department in their collaborative effort to share this kooky, entertaining story with the community. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 22 at the Mendota High School Auditorium.

Tickets may be purchased at Sports-n-Stuff in downtown Mendota for $10.