Displaying items by tag: Jimmy Hogan

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken, is the ultimate Halloween and fall musical for cult hit fans. This spooky, yet fun production captures the essence of the beloved story, making it a must-see for the season.

It all began in 1982 when the off-off-Broadway performances first took place, before moving off-Broadway to Orpheum Theater. But most probably remember the 1986 film adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz and based on the off-Broadway musical, starring Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Vincent Gardenia. The musical centers on Mushnik’s Flower Shop, a struggling business in a shabby neighborhood. Here, Seymour, a nerdy employee, discovers and nurtures an alien carnivorous plant, which he names Audrey II, after his co-worker Audrey, who he is crushing on. Driven by his love for Audrey and the desire to boost the shop's dwindling sales for Mr. Mushnik, Seymour helps the unidentified plant grow with steadfast dedication. Unfortunately, the food that the plant needs to grow is human blood, and the musical becomes a lesson in being careful what you wish for!

Kayla Shipman truly excels as Audrey. With her lovely presence and remarkable singing voice, Shipman captures the audience's hearts with her sweet and caring personality. This makes the revenge against her abusive, violent dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, all the more satisfying. One of Shipman’s notable numbers is "Somewhere That's Green,” a touching ballad where Audrey shares her dreams of leaving behind her bleak, urban life. She envisions finding happiness in a serene, suburban setting with a home, a yard, and a family filled with love and contentment. This poignant moment unveils her vulnerability and longing for a brighter future. 

(L to R) Kayla Shipman and Jimmy Hogan in Little Shop of Horrors from Music Theater Works.

Jimmy Hogan portrays Seymour as a likable character who must muster more courage to handle the plant's demands. His grounded performance provides a perfect counterbalance to the rest of the cast's comedic extremes. Hogan really shines in his powerful number with Shipman, "Suddenly Seymour.” The song signifies a pivotal moment in Audrey and Seymour's relationship. Audrey comes to see that Seymour genuinely cares for her and offers a brighter future. It's a moment of revelation and reassurance, with Seymour vowing to protect her and demonstrating that she deserves love and happiness. Themes of love, support, and newfound confidence shine through in this heartfelt duet.

The plant comes alive thanks to Najee Musiq Rawls, who voices Audrey II and really impresses during “Feed Me (Git it!).” "Feed Me (Git It!)" is a crucial song in Little Shop of Horrors. Here, the carnivorous plant Audrey II insists on more human blood to grow stronger, luring Seymour with promises of fame, fortune, and love. This song spotlights Seymour's moral struggle, caught between his conscience and the plant's insatiable hunger, heightening the story's tension and propelling the plot forward.

Sam Nachison delivers a standout performance as Orin Scrivello, particularly shining in the number “Dentist!” This song, which hilariously recounts how his sadistic tendencies drove him to dentistry, showcases Nachison's talent and darkly comedic flair. The cast is bolstered by a talented ensemble who deliver strong performances in both dance and song numbers while Thomas M. Shea does an admirable job in his portrayal of store owner, Mr. Mushnik. The show gets an additional lift from its excellent set design, lighting, costumes, and puppetry. Music Theatre Works never fails to produce vibrant and captivating productions.

Although the set begins with a dark and somber feel, it brightens considerably with lighting effects and vibrant costume changes as Audrey II's fame and popularity grow, captivating audiences worldwide. The company excels in strategically staging this wild musical in the intimate North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in nearby Skokie. 

Little Shop of Horrors is expertly directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan, with choreography by Reneisha Jenkins and musical direction by Linda Madonia. I recommend this show for audiences aged 13 and over. Though an entertaining story with plenty of humorous moments, the themes in Little Shop of Horrors, such as domestic violence, a sadistic dentist who tortures his patients, and a plant that grows by devouring humans, are questionable for younger viewers, despite the show's renowned puppetry.

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors is currently being performed in the North Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts through November 17th. For tickets and/or more show information, click HERE. 

Yes, Happiness Is… The Peanuts! No doubt. As a kid, I read every Peanuts comic I could. I learned at a very early age that there is a little bit of all the classic characters in every one of us. This musical is fairly early in the history of character development for the creator, Charles Schultz. The story revolves around six Peanuts characters in ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’.

First up to bat is also the manager of the little league team - the title character Charlie Brown. Charlie is good kid, but his own inferiority complex often gets in his way. Neil Stratman does an above average job of becoming Charlie Brown. He was a good fit for the role and really brought the character to life in a memorable way.

When it comes to casting for this production, there are a lot of good fits and Sierra White as Lucy Van Pelt is excellent. She captured Lucy’s cynical, crabby persona. The Psychiatrist bit never gets old and still cracks me up. And when you think about it, the discourse between characters offers some intelligent language coming from eight-year-olds back in the day. The dialogue was right where Schultz left it, too. As a Snoopy aficionado I appreciated that.

Lucy had a fondness for music? Well, maybe but she does chase after Beethoven’s greatest fan. Schroeder is played by Jimmy Hogan and provides more of classic Peanuts material we’ve all come to love over the years. Hogan gives us a nice portrayal as the boy too busy playing the piano to notice Miss Van Pelt.

As comic strip fans know, Lucy has a younger brother named Linus. Marcellus Burt plays the role, though as a huge Peanuts fan, I feel Linus Van Pelt's personality comes across a bit differently than what us old schoolers might be used - and that would be directed to the play’s script more so than anything else, though Burt nails the role he is given and is a pleasure to watch. Every member of the cast does a superb job of becoming the characters they represent and capture the main essence of each. Last night I saw a brat. Lucy was the crabby Van Pelt. Linus was a cool cat. The thumb sucking and security blanket might fool some at first from how smart this young man really is at that age. Yep, Linus is hip and completely, utterly Zen.

Linus has a big fan, too – someone who recognizes his genius and also happens to be Charlie Brown’s little sister, Sally. Alley Ellis is pretty spot on in the role. She seemed more like a teenager at times instead of an eight-year-old but some of that is the material. Shultz wrote dialogue that was very atypical for eight-year-olds.

Finally, man’s best friend. Snoopy is by far the coolest comic strip character ever. Okay, that’s just my biased opinion but who else holds a candle to a dog that can both sleep on top of his doghouse and magically transform it into a Sopwith Camel? Tuesdai B. Perri plays America’s favorite beagle. She seems to have fun with the role and captures the sarcasm that is Snoopy.

I really enjoyed myself while taking in this wonderful production that takes us on a much different Peanuts adventure. The humor holds up and still cracks me up. All the jokes I remember from reading the comic strip and books as a kid still draw laughter. This is a toe-tapping, catchy musical production with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner that includes solid vocal performances all around. I was very impressed and recommend ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ for a pleasant night of family entertainment that will have you leaving with a big smile. Hats off to director Joe Lehman, as well. The night was thoroughly enjoyable and should be on your list for holiday fun.

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ is currently being performed at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, Illinois and will be running through December 23^rd. For tickets and/or more show information, visit Citadel Theatre.