Holley brings Little Shop of Horrors to stage in latest musical

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Gabe Lindsay stars in the role of Seymour in Holley’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. He holds a plant he named Audrey II. Seymour was a disheveled flower shop worker who becomes more hip and famous due to Audrey II’s rise in stardom.

Holley has about 70 students in the cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors. Show times are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Lindsay is Seymour in the 7 p.m. shows both days, while Aidan Kelley plays the part during the 2 p.m. show.

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Kohle Pachla plays the role of Mr. Mushnik, owner of a struggling and rundown flower shop. Audrey II brings many customers and sales to the shop, changing its fortunes. Jax Richards-Dyson plays Mushnik in the Saturday afternoon show.

The show is directed by Dan and Kellie Burke. Mr. Burke directed his last show in 2020 and then retired a year later. He returned to lead the show this time, teaming with his sister Kellie Burke. He is thankful to be back directing the cast.

During his last musical four years ago, the students had the show cancelled just before opening night due to Covid restrictions in March 2020. Holley did High School Musical that year.

Burke has been subbing almost every day this school year at Holley, responding due to a shortage of substitute teachers.

He said being in the Holley district is his retirement dream come true. He worked as a biology teacher at Holley and a baseball coach, while directing the musicals for three decades.

Burke said there is a magic with musical productions, taking students from many backgrounds and comfort levels on stage and having them work together and perform a show.

“You see the kids build an energy and do things they didn’t think they could do,” he said during intermission at today’s rehearsal. “You see them transformed.”

Some kids push their limits with a solo on stage. Others stretch themselves by being in the cast, singing and dancing. Others contribute through set design and being part of the stage crew.

Jayda Shampine plays the role of Audrey and sings, “Somewhere That’s Green.” She who works in the flower with Seymour, who admires Audrey and names the mysterious in her honor.

Abigail Merkley plays Audrey during the Saturday afternoon show.

Burke, as director, has long had multiple casts. His belief is to give every kid a chance to have the biggest role they can.

Mushnik and cast members are excited to listen to Seymour being interviewed on the radio about the famous plant in the flower shop.

Audrey II’s success leads to a major upgrade and renovation at the flower shop.

Orin Scrivello (played by Owen Schultz) is Aubrey’s abusive boyfriend and a sadistic dentist.

Seymour reacts in horror as Audrey II eats Orin Scrivello. Seymour was angry at how Scrivello treated Audrey so poorly.

Feeding the plant the dentist satisfied Audrey II’s thrist for blood, momentarily. Seymour discovered the plant’s appetite for blood when he pricked a finger on a rose thorn. Audrey II thirstily opened its pod at the smell of blood.

Gabe Lindsay, who plays Seymour, said the plant gets meaner as it gets bigger, and its appetite more demanding.

“When you take a risk, be prepared to accept the good and the bad,” Lindsay said about  the message in the show.

He plans to major in musical theater when he heads to Geneseo State College next year. Lindsay said he is grateful for the chance to be in the Holley musicals since he was in junior high.

Audrey II grows to an immense size as it feeds its appetite. Jose-Angel Valentin is the voice of the plant during the evening performances and Nico Unterborn is in the role on Saturday afternoon.