“Little Shop of Horrors,” CHS’s new theater director Quinn Strassel’s debut, was a success even before the curtain opened on December 3, 2010.  Tickets for the performance quickly sold out and Strassel had to add a fourth performance to accommodate the amount of people wishing to see the show. The fourth show sold out in record time.  The only chance for people wanting to see the show after all the tickets were gone was to fight for twelve spots to usher, and those were only open to CHS students. To say a ticket to see “Little Shop” was a hot commodity would be an understatement.
The performance started out with Strassel on stage thanking people who gave their time to the show. The transition between thanks and production was seamless. There were actors all around Craft Theater singing and pulling the audience into the show.  Throughout the first act, and even the intermission, the way the actors effortlessly captivated the playgoers was a drastic change for the better. Under Strassel’s lead, the CHS students put together one of the best performances the Craft Theater has seen.
In the first act, Mrs. Mushnik, played by Jessica Shapiro, gave a jaw-dropping performance. She captured the persona of Skid Row impeccably. The actors brought a sense of life and humor to their performances. Orin, the evil dentist, played by Jack Kausch, brought a darker feeling to Skid Row. The way he presented his character was demonic and highly entertaining.

The street urchins on both sides of the theater made the audience feel as if they were part of the scene.
The introduction of a musical at this caliber is a daunting task for the students and Strassel to undertake, yet they managed to execute the music superbly. With the help of the tech crew and band, the voices of the actors carried through the theater.
Strassel included a wide range of students such as those from art classes to create the well- designed costumes, Dance Body members and choreography by Connie Trahar, and members from the community to perform in the band. The inclusion of such a large number and wide variety of members from the student body made the entire school feel a connection to the production.
When Audrey II was unfurled at the end of the first act there was an audible gasp that could be heard from the crowd. Covered in green glitter Rosie Sullivan gave an enchanting performance. As various characters were consumed to satisfy Audrey II’s flesh eating desires, Seymour, played by Eli Rhodenhiser, became more and more disgusted with his own actions and those of his plant.
Overall the Community Ensemble Theater put on a well organized and dazzling show. The addition of Strassel’s directorial talent is one that appears as if it will be hugely beneficial in the years to come, for it is already a success.  His apparent organizational abilities and eye for details brings the entire cast’s performances to a higher level. This year’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” brightens the outlook of CET for the future.

Photos by Dwight Cendrowski.  No use permitted without permission. To order a print of this photo call Dwight Cendrowski at 734.971.3107, or email dwight@cendrowski.com.