“Feed me, Seymour” has been a well-known line from the hit musical “Little Shop of Horrors” since its 1986 release. The beloved musical’s legacy lives on through Yutan High School’s own performance of the play, as the cast and crew prepare to spread their roots throughout the community this April.

“It’s about this plant that comes down from outer space, and this little nerd guy gets it and takes it to a flower shop that he works at,” senior Bella Sliva, who plays the lead role of Seymour, said. “The plant grows because he feeds it blood and eventually feeds it humans, and the plants take over the world because it manipulates everyone.” 

This musical was chosen by director and K-12 choir teacher Sarah Wibben after some careful consideration.

“I chose the musical from a website called MTI (Music Theatre International). I explored the cast size, and I picked from a couple of musicals to read. I also looked at a cost estimate and the number of songs,” Wibben said.

While Wibben thought the musical was fitting for the students, the production is still a challenge to put on. 

“The music in this musical is fun and nice to listen to, but it is also very challenging to learn. The vocal parts aren’t always in the piano accompaniment that I play. The crew have also had the hard work cut out for them by building and painting set pieces and building the plant,” Wibben said. 

Another challenge for the cast is adjusting to Wibben in her first year as director. 

“Just having a new director, which I like her, and I like how she’s doing things, but it’s still hard when you grew up having the same director, and you learn how to work together, and it’s just what you’re comfortable with. It’s hard to adjust to having someone new running everything, which I think everyone’s been doing a pretty good job with the changes, but it’s still a challenge,” Sliva said.

Having a new director has been tricky for the cast to get used to; however, it isn’t the only thing they have been struggling with so far.

“We have had trouble focusing in because everyone is a little riled up, especially since we only have so much time before the actual show. People mess around at times when it isn’t the right time. We aren’t as locked in as we should be at times, but we’re getting better,” sophomore Izaiah Hancock, who plays Audrey II, said.

Despite this problem, the cast does find ways to get the job done in the end.

“We get past the lack of focus by seeing the bigger picture. Knowing that we have a show around the corner and there’s no time to waste, we soon realize this and kick it into gear. We make good progress this way,” Hancock said.

Along with the lack of focus, the cast has also experienced role adjustments since the musical preparations began. One example is eighth grader Daisy Freeman, who was first cast as Crystal, but was put in the role of Audrey after the original actor quit. 

“I had the pressure of trying to remember all my lines and especially the songs and how they go and the notes,” Freeman said. 

Even though this is Freeman’s third year being involved in the spring production, there is added pressure since this is her first large role. 

“They’re almost completely different because before, in my first [role] in “Frozen,” I was in the ensemble. The second one was “Rotten Apples,” and I had a really small role. Now it’s just elevated to one of the lead roles, and that’s a lot,” Freeman said. 

To help prepare for this new role, Freeman has found a way to study her lines outside of rehearsal.

“At home, I like to listen to the Broadway version of the music over and over again to get it in my head. I used some Quizlet slides that really helped me,” Freeman said.

Despite the challenges, the cast and crew are enjoying the musical for its unique comedy, especially shown through the lines. 

“It’s the dialogue in general I like. It’s just the way the different characters talk is what makes me enjoy it,” Hancock said. 

Not only have the cast been enjoying learning this musical, but they have also been experiencing the benefits that come with being on stage. 

“It gives you confidence. When you’re on stage, you get used to that feeling of being scared. I’ve noticed that I’m more willing to try new things, and I’m more willing to put myself out there because I already do stuff that puts me out there,” Sliva said.

Other than individual benefits, the cast of the musical also develops close bonds with their peers.

“I would say that it is a big commitment, but it is so worth it to perform next to your friends and have that once-in-a-lifetime performance with a group of people that might never be created again,” Wibben said.

Because of the benefits and fun they are having, the cast and crew encourage the community to come watch the performance, which will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday, April 12, at 2:00 P.M.

“The theatre department of Yutan High School has spent months working to bring “Little Shop of Horrors” to a stage near you. Get your tickets online and come see Audrey II shake up the lives of the people of Skidrow!” Sliva said.