This year, Lake Shore is putting on not only one but two musicals. Since October, the cast has been working on their upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors which follows a flower shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood.
The cast has their own thoughts and opinions on the upcoming production, as well as the one they have stirring for the spring.
James (Jimmy) Sheen, senior, plays the leading male, Seymour. He states, “My favorite part about my role is that he’s in everything so he gets to interact with everyone in the show.”
Sheen also says, “Him being in everything is also my least favorite because I don’t think I come off the stage until the end.”
Brielle Starks, sophomore, is one of the two Audreys in the show. Starks states, “Audrey is unlike every role I’ve ever done before, so it’s really fun to explore her character. However, because of this, I had to figure out how to portray her correctly and that’s been a bit of a struggle.”
This year was the first year Lake Shore decided to double-cast their musical. Double-casting is when two actors are cast for the same roles with alternate performances, one acting performing on certain nights while the other performs the other nights.
Genny Zielinski, senior, plays one of the Urchins. She claims, “I think double-casting in theory is good because it gives people more chances to get roles. But I think in practice, there are obviously pros and cons. I feel like it splits up the main group. It sucks that we don’t get to see everybody every day.”
Ellie Mitchener-Rubino, junior, plays one of the Mushniks. She had similar feelings about the double-cating, stating “I like the double casting. It gives everyone opportunities to have roles they usually wouldn’t perform.”
With the show just around the corner, the Lake Shore cast is bursting with excitement and nerves.
Lauren Maciejewski, senior, who plays one of the Urchins expresses her nerves for the show. “We may be a little behind right now, but that’s okay. We always pull it together,” she says.
Meghan Creson, junior, who plays the other Mushnik is just as nervous as Maciejewski. She said, “I love the show so far. It is a little wonky at the moment, but we’ll get there. It’s gonna be good.”
From stepping into challenging roles to navigating the complexity of double-casting, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. But through it all, the cast has shown incredible teamwork and dedication. Whether they’re staying late to rehearse or finding new ways to bring their characters to life, their passion for the production shines through.
As the final touches come together, they’re ready to take the stage and share their hard work with the audience from January 30th through February 1st. It’s bound to be a show full of heart, humor, and a few surprises along the way.
