Westborough High School’s very own theater company, Center Stage, is putting on their annual spring musical this weekend. The show dates are May 1st and 2nd at 7pm as well as May 3rd at 2pm. This year’s production is the award winning broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors, originally created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman in 1982.
This musical is about a docile and awkward florist, Seymour Krelborn, who uncovers fame and fortune through his discovery of a savagely murderous alien plant. Krelborn affectionately names this plant Audrey II after his crush at work in the Mushnik’s Skid Row flower shop. He often refers to the plant as “Twoey” as well. WHS Center Stage shared that this show is “the most outrageous musical in years,” and encourages the Westborough community to join them “for a night of comedy, terror, romance, and all the fun.”
The show features several talented WHS students, including Alex Seery ‘27 who plays Seymour, and Lucy Stillitano ‘28 who plays Audrey. Tons of other hardworking students have dedicated themselves to making sure this show is in the best shape possible. In addition to the cast, there is a behind the scenes tech crew, who make props and set pieces, design costumes, handle lighting and sound, and manage other technical aspects.
Junior tech crew member, Ava Ball, shared her experience as a part of the Center Stage company. Ball explained how the tech crew is constantly working and improving things, whether it’s props, costume pieces, lighting cues, or organizing outfit changes. Without the tech crew, the show wouldn’t be able to run smoothly. According to Ball, “it’s so important for the crew to always be on standby and aware of what’s happening every second the show is running; every little detail seriously counts and can make a huge difference.” Ball is excited for this musical like no other. She emphasized that “the set is amazing and the actors really give it life” and “the music is also so catchy and timeless.” Ball recommends seeing this fun and silly musical, and stresses the importance of its underlying messages surrounding human nature and greed.
It is clear that the performers and crew have dedicated months of their time to make this show as successful as possible, from auditions, to rehearsals, to tech week, and finally adding the finishing touches. Students who wished to have a part in the cast auditioned the week after February break, and soon after began attending rehearsals five days a week after school. As they got closer to opening night, they began adding in the orchestra pit, which features skilled members of WHS’s band as well as some professional musicians. With each week, rehearsals have increased in length, going later and later into the night as the performance dates approach.
“The show is very weird and unusual, but it’s so amazing,” said sophomore cast member Lucy Stillitano when asked about why students should come and see the musical. “I think live theater is such a beautiful experience and I am so proud of everyone in the show!”
Additionally, the show features multiple large plant puppets that are sure to steal the spotlight. Stillitano mentioned how she “thinks the plant is amazing” and that she “is so excited for everyone to see how realistic and cool it looks on stage.” Ball agrees that this puppet makes this show unique and stresses how interesting it is to watch it come alive.
This show is a must-see, and it is clear that so many people have put in a lot of time, effort, and hard work to ensure its triumph. Make sure to go check out the musical to support our fellow WHS students. The Lobby Observer is so excited to see how all of these students’ dedicated time and effort has come together. If you do see the show, Center Stage warns, “DON’T FEED THE PLANTS!”
You can purchase tickets during lunches this week, at the door, or online at whscenterstage.com.
