Hobart High School Performing Arts will present “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical comedy classic, on November 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m., with a matinee showing on November 24 at 3 p.m. Directed by Catherine Nelson, the production brings together dark humor, 1980s nostalgia, and a cast full of talented students and faculty for a fresh take on this cult favorite.
The story follows Seymour, a timid flower shop worker, as he discovers a strange, bloodthirsty plant named Audrey, setting off a chain of increasingly bizarre and sinister events. The show balances campy horror with humor, creating a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
For Nelson, directing “Little Shop of Horrors” is a chance to explore the show’s darker themes without losing the lighthearted energy that makes it a classic.
“This show is campy with a dark edge, and I think that’s what makes it so fun,” Nelson said. “It brings in the humor but doesn’t shy away from the darker, more intense themes, like the abusive relationship, which isn’t celebrated but instead makes the audience root even harder for the plant in the end. In a world that’s so serious right now, I hope people can laugh at the craziness and enjoy the show’s dark humor.”
One of the highlights of this production is the detailed attention to visual storytelling, particularly through lighting and set design. Ron Seeley, a professional lighting designer and Hobart High alum, returns each year to help bring Nelson’s vision to life.
“Our lighting designer, Ron Seeley, is a professional who comes back to work with us every year, and I love seeing his creative vision come to life on stage,” Nelson said. “But the biggest thrill has been getting a high-quality Audrey puppet - we rented it from Casaday Costume Company at a very reasonable rate. Watching our students bring that puppet to life is incredible; it feels like it’s really alive.”
The students are equally enthusiastic about their roles. Elijah Olavarria, who plays the second version of Audrey II, the plant, initially felt hesitant about his character.
“Honestly, I was really upset at first, but once I gave it a chance and explored this new side of myself, I came to love it,” Olavarria said.”I wouldn’t have it any other way now.”
Olavarria also found joy in the process of transforming for the role.
“Developing my voice has been amazing because I sound completely different as Audrey II. and the makeup process has been one of my favorite parts - there’s no way I could have done it on my own,” Olavarria said.
Nelson believes that the cast has enjoyed bringing the ‘80s cult classic to life, with the difference in endings between the film and the musical serving as an intriguing twist.
“I think the students love bringing an ‘80s cult classic to the stage,” she said.”Some had never seen it, so when they watched the movie, it clicked for them, especially with how different the musical’s ending is from the movie. It’s fun for them to explore something that’s well-known in theater circles but maybe not as familiar to general audiences.”
The set is designed to keep the audience immersed, focusing on a skid-row setting with a flower shop that is periodically revealed upstage. Nelson credits Seeley and Tech Director Chris Connor with realizing her vision for a production that feels professional and polished.
With its blend of campy humor, cinematic visuals, and talented student performances, Hobart High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors” immerses the audience in the art of production into a whimsical and thought-provoking world. Audiences can expect to enjoy a high-energy production that showcases the hard work and dedication of Hobart High School’s performing arts community. Tickets are available at the Hobart High box office and online at Hobart High Theatre Presents "Little Shop of Horrors."