‘Little Shop of Horrors’: 10 reasons why you shouldn’t miss this musical

Sandbox Collective’s 10th anniversary celebration has already brought us two interactive plays, the rib-tickling "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and the rerun of the Jon Santos-helmed "Bawat Bonggang Bagay." 

Now comes the musical adaptation of another Broadway hit, "Little Shop of Horrors: A Bloodthirsty Musical Comedy," which is being staged all weekends at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater until July 28. 

Below are 10 highlights on why you shouldn’t miss this comic--not even horror--musical gem.

1. Nyoy Volante’s calm and composed interpretation of the lovestruck nerd Seymour. Volante may be known more by the general audience as the acoustic guitar-playing singer on TV but he's actually an accomplished theater actor who's been doing musical theater for years. His pop music artist persona disappears as he becomes the character on stage. 

2. Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon is Audrey (paired with Volante), the pretty flower shop assistant with a sadist boyfriend. 

It’s expected Karylle would give a sterling performance given her experiences in live entertainment. Post-pandemic, we’ve seen her in Repertory Philippines’ comeback production, "Carousel," followed by GMG Productions’ "Sound of Music."

Despite her regular TV hosting gig and other showbiz commitments, Karylle managed to squeeze in some acting for the stage and we are mesmerized by her equally hushed, almost melancholic version of Audrey. 

3. Any musical or play with Reb Atadero in the cast is a gem, and "Little Shop of Horrors" is no different. Being a natural comic, his spontaneity as the fumbling Seymour makes the difference. If needed, he can do adlibs that always work.

He is as dependable in doing dramatic roles, like in the two-hander Lungs, opposite Sab Jose. After the first weekend run of Little Shop of Horrors, he got a Gawad Buhay award’s Male Featured Performance in a Musical for playing Michael in Nine Works Theatrical’s Tick, Tick…Boom. Atadero is so good in every role he’s given, I could even imagine him wearing a dress playing Audrey and he would nail it. 

Reb Atadero as Seymour and Sue Ramirez as Audrey. Photo: Sandbox Collective

4. TV and film actress Sue Ramirez theatrical debut as Audrey (opposite Atadero) has been circulating on social media since the first weekend run, telling us how much Ramirez has made an impression.

She hits the high notes effortlessly and delivers her lines without the self-consciousness common among showbiz stars. Even if we’ve known her as one of the finest young actresses for film and TV, she can now add theater in her resume. I guess if she will devote more time in the industry, musical theater will have a new most sought-after leading lady. 

5. The return of David Ezra after his three-year tour of duty in Hong Kong Disneyland has been overwhelmingly welcomed by the local theater industry.

He manages to make the character Orin — the drug-addled, sadistic dentist boyfriend of Audrey — both scary and funny at the same time.

David Ezra as Orin. Photo: Sandbox Collective

In the play, Ezra gives life to other characters like the shrewd businessman and the gay talent manager. Alas, he could've been gayer and less stiff with the latter. Someone should remind him to ease a little bit and let the gay character come out. 

6. Markki Stroem’s heartthrob looks may sometimes get in the way of his acting but in playing Orin in the Volante and Karylle set, Stroem is a standout. He brings us back to the era of bad boys as goodlooking as James Dean and Elvis Presley, in black leather jacket and well-greased pompadour.

Markki Storm as Orin. Photo: Sandbox Collective

7. Audie Gemora has no alternate and he doesn’t need one playing Mr. Mushnik, the typical shrewd businessman yet affectionate fatherly proprietor of East Side flower shop in Skid Row.

Doing comedy is also Gemora’s turf. One can have the funniest lines but in the hands of a less capable actor, it would still feel flat and forced. I think if Gemora will compile the comic roles he’s done that were recorded on video up to Mr. Mushnik, it could be another vlog named Audie Comedy.  

8. Seymour named the flower “Audrey II” (Audrey Two), as sweet reminder for his unrequited love for Audrey, when the plant was not still a flesh-and-blood hungry monster but a lucky charm in the shop.

Audrey II is played in alternate by OJ Mariano and GMA Network-honed talent Julia Serad (The Clash). Mariano, as the monster flower is fearful and abominable, a combination of the cunning Lex Luthor and snaky Zuma. If Mariano goes outside Maybank theater with makeup on, even the stray cats of BGC will avoid him. That’s how effective he is. 

9. Julia Serad. Sandbox Collective’s brilliant choice is a female alternate playing Audrey II and Julia proved to be an entirely different, yet equally engaging experience.

Known as a product of GMA’s "The Clash," she entered theater as a member of the ensemble in "Burugudunstuytugudunstuy" the Parokya Ni Edgar Musical.

Her range is perfect for the vocal acrobatics required for Audrey II, screaming like a real monster from outer space. Now, being the female villain, it seems a love triangle has been created with Seymour and the original Audrey. Guess who won? Just watch the show. 

The Street Urchins Chiffon (Paula Paguio), Crystal (Abi Sulit), and Ronette (Julia Serad). Photo: Sandbox Collective

10. The Street Urchins of Skid Row are named Crystal (played by Abi Sulit), Chiffon (Paula Paguio) and Ronette (alternately played by Mikee Baskinas and Julia Serad). 

Admittedly, our references to the ‘60s vibe are only through movies, music videos and books. As the essential Greek chorus, the trio provides that gap with their well-choreographed song-and-dance. 

They are actually named after popular girl bands from the ‘60s. The Crystals are known for the hit songs “Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home),” “He’s A Rebel,” “Then He Kissed Me”. The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine” (1963) was controversial due to copyright infringement case against George Harrison because of the melody’s similarity with the former Beatle’s “My Sweet Lord” (1970). The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” is one of the most covered and played songs until today.

Kudos to the artistic team led by musical director-composer Ejay Yatco and director Toff De Venecia. De Venecia initially directed Little Shop of Horrors for Ateneo BlueRep and after many years of “rehearsals” in his head, this version for the 10th anniversary of Sandbox is the ultimate feel-good experience in musical theater for the whole family, not just theater lovers. Suddenly, Sandbox is up there among the legendary theater companies.