PART ONE: Lincoln High School’s Production of Little Shop of Horrors Cast Q&A

A talented cast and crew of students from grades 7–12 have been hard at work bringing this exciting production to life. Under the direction of Alexis Reisinger, students have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, choreography, and technical preparation to create a production that blends humor, heart, and a touch of dark comedy.

We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is PART ONE in a three-part series about Little Shop of Horrors. Featured tomorrow will be part 2 of the cast Q&A and part three will feature a review of the show and gallery of show photos.

Noah Rhodes

Part in Musical: Seymour

Current Grade: 11th

Been in musicals/plays since: 2nd grade

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Shrek, Willy Wonka, Godspell, SchoolHouseRock The Musical, Seussical

Favorite Song in this musical: Now (It’s Just The Gas)

What interested you in this role: Seymour is overall a very awkward yet lovable character, something about his dorky personality really resonated with me.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: I absolutely adore my hand-puppet version of Audrey II.

What’s the hardest part about your role: There are many technical props and musical numbers that I would say are particularly difficult. Honestly any scene involving the Plant (Audrey II) is pretty challenging to pull off.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: The entire show really revolves around the idea of greed and how it can change someone. It’s a very multifaceted story that is a very effective horror-comedy, but it’s also a story about love, change, and desire for human possessions. I think overall I’ll carry the lessons that my character learns about greed after this show.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: Our set is wonderfully put together and really accentuates the overall feel of this musical.

What is unique about this musical: This musical in general revolves around the character Audrey II, and I think it is unique how the most prevalent character is only seen as a puppet during the performance.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: I’ve always wanted to be Seymour so I’ve checked that off of my list already, so I’d definitely say Sweeny Todd from Sweeny Todd. This character has one of the best musical soundtracks I’ve ever heard in a Broadway musical. Sondheim really outdid himself with that specific musical.

What other activities are you involved in: I’m Vice President of Drama Club and I participate in the Marching Band.

Future plans: My future plans are to go to university and major in Neuroscience. It’s been a long goal of mine to build a career in science.

Anything else you would like to add: Thank you so much to the Cast and Crew of this production! And thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to speak about this musical.

Peyton Confer

Part in Musical: Audrey

Current Grade: 12 grade/ Senior

Been in musicals/plays since: 2nd grade in general but 8th grade at the high school.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Lots and lots but some of my favorites would be Lydia in Beetlejuice Jr. at the Strand theatre, Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka at Lincoln High School, and Penelope Ann in Bye Bye Birdie at the Red Barn Theatre.

Favorite Song in this musical: Suddenly Seymour

What interested you in this role: I love the accent portion of it and the fact I get to wear a blonde wig.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: Has to be the big Audrey 2 in the second act of the show.

What’s the hardest part about your role: The hardest part would be trying to stay in the New York accent while belting out my songs.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Just how to seem constantly happy and always try to put things in perspective and not take anything for granted.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I personally think that they will like the overall feel and energy of the musical but especially the set and the costumes.

What is unique about this musical: The unique thing would be how its set in an earlier time period and just the many different types of voices that are in the musical.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: It would be the Phantom of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera because i’ve always loved that musical and I can hit all the notes for both of those parts so I think I could do it.

What other activities are you involved in: I’m involved in the Marching Blue Band as the Drum Major, I also am the director and creator of the Hartman Musical Program, and I am the new Director and President of the Drama Club.

Future plans: I plan on attending Shippensburg and majoring in Business Management with a minor in Performing Arts.

Jacob Evans

Part in Musical: Audrey II

Current Grade: 9th Grade

Been in musicals/plays since: I only started performing last year.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I played one of the Wickersham Brothers last year in Seussical the Musical.

Favorite Song in this musical: That is a tough decision, because I really love all the music in this show, but I probably would go with “Ya Never Know”.

What interested you in this role: From the first time I saw the movie, I loved the music and the storyline. The fact that I get to portray one of the main characters is a dream come true!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: without a doubt the most iconic props are all 4 of the Audrey II puppets. My favorite part of my costume is the outfit I get to wear at the end because it was my idea and I chose it.

What’s the hardest part about your role: The hardest part about my role was mastering the vocal range required to sing Audrey II’s different songs.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Being in this role has helped me learn how to open up to people… And of course “Don’t Feed the Plants”!

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: The suspense and how different this musical is.

What is unique about this musical: This musical has an ending unlike any other.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: There are several roles that come to mind, but probably JD from Heathers the Musical because of how much I relate to his character.

What other activities are you involved in: Marching Band, Drama Club, Choral Capers, and History Club.

Future plans: I’d like to continue my education in Theater Arts and Music.

Anything else you would like to add: ENJOY THE SHOW!!!

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Eric Woodend

Part in Musical: Orin (The dentist)

Current Grade: 12th

Been in musicals/plays since: for 5 years

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: The cat in the hat, George in school house rock, Telly in Godspell

Favorite Song in this musical: It’s just the gas

What interested you in this role: How different the character is from me

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: The leather jacket I wear

What’s the hardest part about your role: how crazy he can be at times and putting it on stage

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: My character has taught me if anything what not to do in life

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I believe the audience will love the set and all the characters and the show as a whole it’s very lively and is such a joy to watch

What is unique about this musical: How different it is from past years

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: If I could have any part in any musical I would love to play Hermes in hadestown I love the narrator type in story’s and also he’s one of my favorites in that show

What other activities are you involved in: I will be involved in the drama club’s production of clue this April

Future plans: Future plans include to hopefully go into a four year college for a premed or a bio degree

Don’t Miss the Show!

Dates and times

• Friday, March 27 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28 – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, March 29 – 3 p.m.

Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased here. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School is located at 501 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, PA. For additional information, please contact 724-752-1591.