The 75th Azalea Festival is in the books, however you may feel about that. But even though the festival's over there are plenty of events in the Wilmington area to take in this weekend. Starting with a plant-tastic version of this beloved rock musical …
Maybe it's nostalgia, but as an '80s teen there are few musicals I have the capacity to enjoy more than "Little Shop of Horrors." Certainly, the wonderful 1986 movie directed by Frank Oz has something to do with that. Still, I'd say it has even more to do with the show's uncommon blend of goofy humor, roof-raising rock 'n' roll songs and cartoonish bloodletting in service of a story about a man-eating plant from outer space and the sad yet (mostly) lovable little humans whose lives it destroys.
A production of the musical the movie was based on runs through Sunday at Thalian Hall, and it delivers the goods. Under the always-creative, gender-bending direction of Patrick Basquill for the Thalian Association, the show's standout moments overshadow some of its messier ones.
"Little Shop of Horrors," which was crafted into a stage musical by Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music) from the low-budget 1960 film by Roger Corman, is an otherworldly amalgam of B-movie plot line, soaring ballads and soul-stirring R&B harmonies, with undercurrents of commentary on the beautiful folly that is the American Dream.
When failing-flower-shop employee and aspiring botanist Seymour Krelborn, played by a perfectly cast Sam Robinson, sings, "Who knew success would come with messy, nasty strings?", he's talking the tune of every corporate (or social) ladder-climber contemplating the horrible things he might have to do to make it up the next rung.
Robinson, who leads a strong cast, sings beautifully and exudes a kind of amiable decency as Seymour, who's discovered a strange, flytrap-like plant that needs human blood to thrive. Once the exotic plant starts bringing non-stop business to Mushnik's Skid Row Florist, Seymour might even have a shot at romance with fellow employee Audrey (Alissa Fetherolf, excellent), who's in a relationship with a sadistic dentist (Logan Mack, entertainingly despicable).
There are some curiosities brought into the show by Basquill, including casting a woman as the gruff, mercenary flower shop owner Mr. Mushnik, although to be fair Dianne Marchese is great at both singing and comedy, and the casting choice comes off like a welcome commentary on being able to pick whatever pronouns you want.
Likewise, Audrey II — the name Seymour gives his plant, which comes to life thanks to increasingly large puppets created by Juli Harvey and manipulated by Jeff Hidek and Delanie Gillis — is typically voiced by a man singing in the bass and baritone registers. Here, Georgie Simon sings the part, and while her higher-pitched tones lend a different vibe than we're used to hearing in the blues-rocker "Git It (Feed Me)" and the foreboding "Suppertime," Simon, with the help of some electronic, bass-heavy sonic effects, brings enough sassy attitude to make the plant come to life.
A harmonizing trio of Greek-chorus-like "doo-wop girls" named for '60s-era vocal groups (Mariah Martin is Chiffon, Bianca Shaw is Crystal and Chandler Davis is Ronette) is one of the best things about the show. Their vocals add a lush beauty to the stark descriptions of "Skid Row," and Shaw especially stands out with a stellar vocal solo in that tune.
A couple of numbers, including "Now (It's Just the Gas)" and "The Meek Shall Inherit" feel disjointed, but Fetherolf brings a potent blend of subtle humor and vulnerability to the suburban ode "Somewhere That's Green," and she and Robinson deliver a super-sweet rendition of the show's big romantic ballad, "Suddenly, Seymour."
Along with music director Thaddaeus Freidline's top-notch band, the production team communicates a gritty vibe via Ben Fancy's graffiti-spattered set and Nick Fenner's moody lighting, while choreographer Laura Brogdon-Primavera gives the doo-wop trio plenty of fun movements to liven things up.
Definitely a "Little Shop" you should check into this weekend.
Details: 7:30 p.m. April 15-16, 2 p.m. April 17 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $27-$32, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
At Thalian Hall's Stein Studio Theatre — Big Dawg Productions presents this Southern-accented comedy from the writing team of Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten about four friends whose vow to be in each other's weddings, no matter what, is put to the test 30 years later. 7:30 April 14-16 and 21-23, 2 p.m. April 17 and 24.
At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Dreamy indie-pop band comes to town and will no doubt be playing tunes from its upcoming, pandemic-influenced album "Orange Blood," which drops its title track as a single on Friday. 6 p.m. April 14, $80-$135.
At Cinematique — Oscar winner for best foreign film comes to the big screen at Thalian Hall for a rare Thursday screening. It's about a Japanese artist and widower who forms a profound connection with his female driver. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 14.
At UNCW's Kenan Auditorium — Blues rocker returns to Wilmington — she's played the Pleasure Island Seafood, Jazz and Blues festival in the past —bearing her trademark guitar pyrotechnics and soulful vocals. Her latest album, "Faster," came out last fall. 8 p.m. April 14, $27-$57.
At Bourgie Nights — Wilmington soul and rock singer plays her only scheduled full-band show in town this spring. Opening act is Carrboro alt-country band The Gone Ghosts. 9 p.m. April 15, $10-$15.
At Reel Cafe — Maryland reggae/punk band, which played the Warped Tour back in 2012, brings its act to the rooftop of The Reel. Sharing the bill is Boston reggae-rockers The Elovaters. 6 p.m. April 15, $10 in advance.
At Dead Crow Comedy Room — Stand-up comic seen on "America's Got Talent" in 2019 and last year on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" brings her act about domestic and romantic travails, and the beauty of not having a job, to Wilmington's top comedy spot. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. April 14-15, $18-$28.
At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — In a way, this South Carolina folk, country and rock duo has had a Wilmington following since before they existed. Cary Ann Hearst, who forms the band with husband Michael Trent, has been playing downtown Wilmington for well over a decade, starting in the 2000s as a power-voiced solo artist. This weekend's show is in support of new Shovels and Rope new album "Manticore," which touches on themes of marital discord even as Heart and Trent continue to write, and sing, together. 7 p.m. April 16, $30 and up.
At the Wilmington Convention Center — This convention of comic books, pop culture and cosplay returns with special guests and the work and wares of dozens of artists. Guests include Rich Davis, who used to run the old Brown Coat Pub & Theatre downtown but has gone on to find success with his "Cult of Dracula" comic book series, recently optioned for a movie by Sure Pictures. Other guests include actors Michael Copon ("One Tree Hill, TV's "Beyond the Break, "Power Rangers: Time Force") and Michael Watkins (voice of Venom and others). Plus, there's a cosplay contest, winners announced at the end of the con. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 16, $10-$15, free for ages 10 and under.
At the Boatyard at Marina Grill — The Marina Grill's Saturday Sunset music series kicks off this weekend with longtime Wilmington rock band Machine Gun. The series will continue most Friday evenings into the fall. 6-9 p.m. April 16, free.
At Live at Ted's — Durham folk musician and songwriter Shain, who won the 2019 International Blues Challenge, teams up with bassist Ventre for this show at Wilmington listening room Ted's. 8 p.m. April 16, $12
At the Palm Room — Great melodic rock band from Charleston, S.C., brings its tunes to this longstanding Wrightsville Beach venue. Not hard to figure out why they're one of the most exciting bands in Charleston right now. 9:30 p.m. April 16.
Contact John Staton at 910-343-2343 or John.Staton@StarNewsOnline.com.