This March, the Adelaide Theatre Academy will truly put the little into 'Little Shop Of Horrors', as they deliver the cult R’n’B production with an entirely youth cast.
Michael Eustice, the General Manager of the academy, feeds us all the gossip.
Can you tell us a little about your motivation for establishing the academy?
We established the Adelaide Theatre Academy to satisfy a thirst expressed by our senior and most talented performers for opportunities to stretch their creative skills and to publicly showcase their talents. The audience and critical feedback we received for our productions of 'Singin’ In The Rain JR' and 'Beauty & The Beast JR' was so positive that we decided to make the Academy a permanent fixture within the Theatre Bugs performing arts school.
'Singin’ In The Rain JR' was a huge success last year. What is the secret to getting the most out of young performers and how does it differ from working with adult artists?
The most important approach to inspiring the best from young performers, and frequently most challenging for an adult, is to not block them from fully exploring their natural creativity. Their capabilities and potential are often beyond our expectations. This is a key difference between working with children and adults. Adults tend to focus on limits or reaching a planned target whereas young people can still touch the sky. Working with adults is often about breaking down psychological walls. Working with young performers is about spreading their wings and letting go.
The production team includes some of Adelaide’s best musical theatre performers and musicians. Tell us more about director Michelle Davy’s vision for the production.
We are thrilled with the talented people who have joined our team for this production. People were excited when we announced 'Little Shop Of Horrors'. It is such a popular and fun show. Director, Michelle Davy has been very clear in her vision of creating a vibrant youth-focused version of the show while still maintaining all of the original and much-loved storyline. There are added dancers, character highlights, a few thoughtful twists and a surprise reveal at the end for Audrey II. If you ever had to be devoured by a man-eating plant, you’d choose this one!
In 'Little Shop Of Horrors', the Audrey II puppet is often a centrepiece to any production. What can you tell us about the design of this production’s ravenous alien?
Well, I wouldn’t want to be giving away any secrets, however, our Audrey is a very impressive specimen with a mighty appetite. I’m guessing, but from the size of her giant toothed and massive smacking lips she could probably swallow up four or five people in a single gobble!
What can you tell us about some of the lead actors in this production?
The turn-out for auditions was fabulous. We had to extend to several additional sessions to deal with the enthusiasm. To meet the demand, we have created two casts and have now brought together some of Adelaide’s most dedicated, hard-working and passionate young artists. Each cast brings their own unique flavour to the 'Little Shop' and are equally brilliant. We suggest audience members come twice!
