Entering the Norris Family Theater in the weeks leading up to a musical or dramatic performing arts production for the uninitiated (or someone who has not participated in a production since seventh grade) is a bit like stepping into a foreign culture – mysterious, with its own rhythms and language. In every corner of the space, transformation is unfolding as costumers create intricate pieces and set designers reshape the familiar stage into the world of Little Shop of Horrors: Mushnik's Floral Shop, the dentist's office, and the graffiti-covered landscape of Skid Row.
There is a creative energy in the air as actors work alongside a master choreographer to perfect movements they once thought impossible. The Music Director works intensively with vocalists on pace and harmonies, while the pit band joins during the second half of tech week, adding the musical foundation that brings the show to life. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of students, faculty, and staff orchestrate quick costume and set changes, and precise lighting and sound cues, each element adding an essential element to the show.
A new vocabulary has emerged: calls, places, cheat out, cues, on book, off book, quick changes, and show notes. Yet what captured my attention was not the professional theater jargon or the way our production mirrors professional theater practices but the dedication of this group and the community they build around a love of the performing arts. Cast and crew – students, production staff, volunteers, and some faculty and future Proctor student performers – have poured countless hours into this creative endeavor. As with many afternoon activities, but perhaps most visibly in the performing arts, students are learning lessons that transcend their afternoon activity – how to collaborate and trust scene partners, build community, and embrace vulnerability before an audience.
We hope you come out to see Little Shop of Horrors this Friday and Saturday evening at 7:00 PM in the Wilkins Meeting House. Reserve your free tickets to the show HERE. A special thank you to Alex Estin for running the box office. The complete Playbill, including bios of the cast, crew, and production staff, is available HERE.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Director Amy Mathison last week, to explore not just the mechanics of mounting a Winter Musical at Proctor but the impact of theater and the performing arts.
Why Little Shop of Horrors for Proctor's Winter Musical?
Amy Mathison, Director: I chose Little Shop of Horrors for Proctor’s Winter Musical because it strikes the perfect balance between being a well-known, exciting production and one that is manageable for our cast size. The show offers strong, dynamic roles that fit our population of actors and singers while keeping the production feasible within our resources. Plus, its blend of classic musical theatre and quirky, dark comedy makes it a unique choice for the winter season.
How have you and the Theater Tech team tackled Audrey II and other technical challenges?
Tackling Audrey II and other technical challenges has been an exciting and creative process for our team. Rather than using the traditional puppet approach, we’ve taken a non-traditional route by casting a person in the role of the man-eating plant. Aria and Anders Maness will bring Audrey II to life in a dynamic and engaging way, adding a fresh twist to the character. This choice has made costume design an especially fun challenge, with Kate Jones leading the charge in creating stunning, larger-than-life costumes that capture the essence of Audrey II in a bold and glamorous way.
Have the actors connected with these characters and the show's dark comedy?
Absolutely! The cast has really embraced the dark humor and themes of Little Shop of Horrors while staying true to the comic book-style Skid Row world we’ve worked to create. They understand the balance between the show’s campy, over-the-top fun and its darker undertones, which makes their performances even more dynamic. With Wendy Connolly leading the set design, we’ve built a visually striking world that enhances the storytelling and gives the actors a rich environment to play in.
Could you share any memorable moments from rehearsals that capture the spirit of this cast and crew?
One of the most memorable aspects of rehearsals has been watching the Ronnettes develop such a strong camaraderie. They’ve truly embraced their roles, not just as performers but as a team, supporting one another with choreography and harmonies. Between scenes, they can often be found running through details together, fine-tuning the moments that will make this show pop.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this interpretation of Little Shop of Horrors?
I hope audiences walk away from our production of Little Shop of Horrors both entertained and intrigued by the world we’ve created. This show is a wild, high-energy ride with catchy music and dark humor, but beneath the fun, it also offers sharp social commentary. More than anything, I hope people leave the theater talking—whether about the incredible performances, the stunning visuals, or the deeper themes hidden beneath the laughter. Perhaps they'll even be inspired to try performing!
How do live arts experiences uniquely contribute to both individual and collective well-being in our community, especially in an era where entertainment is increasingly digital and on-demand?
Live arts experiences offer something that digital entertainment simply can’t replicate—a sense of presence, connection, and shared energy that brings people together in a truly meaningful way. In a time when so much of our entertainment is consumed alone and on-demand, live theater creates a communal space where audiences and performers experience something real and unfiltered, together, in the moment.
For individuals, participating in or witnessing live performance fosters creativity, empathy, and emotional expression. It challenges us to engage deeply, whether through laughter, suspense, or reflection. For the community as a whole, live arts strengthen bonds, spark conversations, and create a shared cultural experience.
At Proctor, productions like Little Shop of Horrors give our students the chance to collaborate, take risks, and build confidence while offering the audience an opportunity to step into a different world for a few hours. These experiences remind us why storytelling—especially in its live, human form—has always been an essential part of who we are.
Click Here to View More Photos from Proctor's Production of Little Shop of Horrors
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