OVER the weekend, family, friends and community members were entertained by the singing and dancing spectacle of Newhaven College’s Senior School production Little Shop of Horrors.
This dark, yet hilarious, show did not disappoint as the College’s outstanding performing arts were showcased once again. The costumes moved from the drab ‘skid row’ vibe to vibrant colour as the story unfolded.
The amazingly talented performers and professional production standards provided a dazzling show for musical enthusiasts. Director, Karen Milkins-Hendry and Musical Director, Matt Goss led and inspired a high-quality performance that was truly a celebration for the school community.
Year 12 students Jemima Aitken and Dean Lyle played the lead roles of Audrey and Seymour who navigate their way to find love with the unlikely assistance of a man-eating plant, Audrey II. Dean is no stranger to Newhaven College productions, having played Shrek and King Triton in previous shows. This was Jemima’s first time in a lead role for a Newhaven College production. Other superb performances came from Year 10 student Felix Fothergill as Mr Mushnik, the owner of the flower shop which suddenly attracts the attention of the community with the discovery of Audrey II, the bloodthirsty plant.
Audrey II was portrayed with magnificent puppetry and voiced by Year 12 powerhouse singer Angeline Anthony. Audrey’s very unpleasant, and ultimately doomed, boyfriend was flamboyantly played by Year 12 student Liam Fuery.
The street urchins sing and dance their way through the entire show, keeping the storyline going with unbridled enthusiasm. The urchins were performed by Indigo Aurora, Meyanna Christensen, Cecily de Gooyer, Isabel Goss, Eve Oakley and Aoife O’Connell.
Other pivotal roles were played by Matilda Abraham-Williams, Mackenzie Cameron, Archie Robson, Shae Foster and Giacinta Lyle. With the support of a highly energetic ensemble cast, the show was rich in talent from the youngest student up.
Talented students were also found in the music pit with Year 8 student Finn Campbell Walker (keyboards), Year 9 student Flynn Dengerink (guitar) and Year 11 student Gabriel Di Falco (bass) playing crucial roles in the orchestra, creating the mood for the whole show.
College VET students constructed the sets, which further set the dour mood of the skid row background to the story.
Principal Tony Corr was thrilled with the final show, “Little Shop of Horrors continues to raise the bar on the high quality of Newhaven College musicals. The performance is a change from recent Disney productions and provides the cast and crew an opportunity to showcase their extraordinary skills in this exaggerated, darkly comical production. The acting, singing, dancing, music, costumes, and set were all truly captivating. I particularly want to commend our young performers who have taken on the challenge of this production and flourished. My thanks to our Director, Karen Milkins-Hendry, Musical Director, Matt Goss, and all the staff and parents involved for inspiring such an excellent performance.”
Newhaven College sees the Arts as having a vital role in the development of students. The production of Little Shop of Horrors provided the perfect space for students to grow and express themselves freely. It provided an outlet for self-expression, a platform for exploration and experimentation and an opportunity to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
Through their involvement in this production, students have not only honed their artistic abilities but also gained a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Newhaven College would like to thank all the staff, students, parents, and community members who assisted with the production this year. Also, the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre for providing the venue and ticket sale support.
