‘Little Shop’ a big hit at Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn

March 19, 2015 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Members of the cast and crew of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” strike a pose with Audrey II before the show.

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Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s John Lockwood Auditorium was transformed into Mushnik’s Skid Row Flower Shop and served as home to a giant, bloodthirsty, alien plant named Audrey II as the school recently presented the hit musical “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The show’s stars were Arthur Furman, as the lovably meek Seymour Krelborn; Milana Gurevich as the object of his affection, Audrey; and Jeremy Dan as Mr. Mushnik, their employer.
Other members of the cast included Ania John as Chiffon; Nicole Fabian as Crystal; Regina Levy as Ronnette; and Luke Gemma as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. David Goldshteyn and Anthony Iglesias portrayed various Skid Row occupants. Faculty member Alexandra Ruggiero played a customer who was intrigued by Audrey II, and Alan Khanukov portrayed a series of business executives looking to capitalize on the popularity of Audrey II.
The show was directed by Adelphi faculty members Nikki Fregara and Sarah Hermann with special guest director Christine Colacrai. Fregara also served as the voice of the iconic Audrey II, the bloodthirsty plant with plans for world domination. Teacher Robert Bates served as the musical director and the show was produced by Adelphi’s Director of Academy Operations Albert C. Corhan.
Audiences were treated to lifelike Audrey II puppets representing various stages of the plant’s life. The puppets were manipulated Khanukov, Furman and Konstantin Zhuravlov.
The musical’s popular score includes such numbers as “Dentist,” “Feed Me” and “Suddenly Seymour.” All of the music was performed by the Little Shop of Horrors Band under the direction of Bates (Piano/Keyboard), faculty member Robert Assante (Bass Guitar), Adelphi supporter Marc Hermann (Guitar) and Corhan (Percussion).
Corhan, who served as a member of the stage crew when Adelphi presented “Little Shop of Horrors” back in 1991, said this year’s show was especially meaningful.
“Keeping the traditions of Adelphi’s Theater Arts Program alive by performing popular musicals like ‘Little Shop’ is truly special and a great experience for everyone involved. From my first days as an Adelphi student serving on stage crew for that very production, and all of my experiences in theater since, I know firsthand what all of the students will take home from this experience,” he said.
Iphigenia Romanos, Adelphi’s head of school, said she was impressed by the work done by the students and faculty members.
“All of the talented and dedicated individuals involved in this production devoted so many hours of their time, after school and on weekends, to make ‘Little Shop’ not just a reality, but a huge success for our students and for our school and we thank them, one and all,” she said.