Featuring a production record of over 140 students, Monroe-Woodbury Middle School’s “Little Shop of Horrors” opening night was an astonishing success. Under the direction of teacher Mr. Gardner, students and staff came together for the portrayal of the love story between meek and shy Seymour Krelborn, played by 8th grader Jonah Gard, and the sophisticated and enchanting Audrey, played by 8th grader Sophia Batista.

The relationship between Seymour and Audrey is primarily centered around the activities taking place in Seymour’s plant shop and his strange collection of bizarre plant life. Especially a specific Venus flytrap that eats humans, whom he names “Audrey II”.

The show ran from March 14 and 15 at 6 p.m. and March 16 at 1 p.m. With dance choreographed by Mr. Larke and an orchestral ensemble led by conductor Mr. Schacher, each cast member contributed their talents to various aspects of the show.

The production also included talented vocalists directed by Ms. Diaz.

“Each performer has their specialties,” said singing director Ms. Diaz. “It’s our job to make sure we highlight and emphasize each cast member’s strengths so we can all collectively tell this story.”

Zoe Milza, an 8th-grade student who is a drama club officer and also the performer who portrayed the character of The Plant (Audrey ll), commented on how the show was perfect in utilizing her strength of singing. “I spend most of the show inside the plant costume,” explained the performer. “This is why The Plant has always been a dream role of mine because I am super strong at singing, and that’s all I had to focus on for this performance.”

Milza only reveals herself outside of the plant costume during the finale of the show.

The actual plant was controlled by Monroe-Woodbury High School senior Sophia Theokas and junior Jacob Ciriello. While Milza was the voice and singer of the character, the star was supported by her puppeteers.

The cast did a fantastic job at portraying moments that were meant to be scary, such as a botanical monster that grows in size by consuming human flesh, which was shown through the lens of humor and lighthearted satire. “Little Shop of Horrors”, a story depicted by dance and told through song, was an incredible accomplishment by Monroe-Woodbury Middle School.