Amalia Marquardt is happy because she is grumpy.
Aditi Dhara is exploring a complex person.
Evan Andrews is just himself.
These three senior students in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts program are thrilled to be playing—and living—the roles of the leading characters in the spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors.
This highly acclaimed show will be presented from Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18, in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s newly renovated auditorium.
The opening performance on April 16 and the following act on April 17 will each start at 7 p.m. On that Saturday, April 18, there will be a matinee show at 2 p.m, followed by the final performance at 7 p.m.
According to the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts, Little Shop of Horrors is a story set in a struggling flower shop on Skid Row. The story follows Seymour Krelborn, a meek and well-meaning employee who suddenly finds fame and fortune after nurturing an unusual plant he names Audrey II. As the plant grows larger and more demanding, Seymour must grapple with the consequences of feeding its hunger while chasing his dreams of success and love. Blending humor, catchy rock, doo-wop, and R&B-inspired music, and a touch of sci-fi horror, the show has become a beloved staple of musical theatre.
That story is being told during the numerous productive afternoon rehearsals, under the passionate leadership of Heather Diaforli-Day, the Director of the Bridgewater-Raritan Theatre Arts department.
She has been pleased with the results of these energetic practices.
“It’s been a joy to watch our students work together to bring this creative production to the stage,” Ms. Diaforli-Day stated. “Our entire team is working together each day, preparing to deliver audiences a stellar show!”
During a break in a recent rehearsal in the high school auditorium, Amalia Marquardt, Aditi Dhara, and Evan Andrews shared their feelings on the characters who they are portraying.
Amalia has gladly accepted a new role as she plays Mushnik.
“She is grumpy, and I never play a grumpy person. I play happy characters,” revealed the seasoned actor who has starred in other Bridgewater-Raritan Theatre Arts productions such as Anything Goes, Puffs, and Godspell.
And this past December, Amalia portrayed Cherry in Bridgewater-Raritan’s Theatre Arts production of The Outsiders.
“I really like playing Mushnick,” she admitted.
Her equally gifted fellow artist, Aditi, is looking deep into her character role as Audrey.
“I love it. It is fun and she is so complex,” Aditi said. “I really enjoy exploring who she is.”
Evan figured he was just portraying Evan in his role of Seymour.
“I love it. He is goofy and it's me on stage,” Evan said with a laugh.
The three actors all agreed.
“We are taking our roles personally.”
Come watch for yourself as a skilled and enthusiastic cast of students, along with dedicated student leadership and crew members, shine brightly on and off stage.
All Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District staff members are entitled to one complimentary ticket, which can be picked up at the door on the night of the performance.
Reserve seats in advance or purchase extra tickets using this link:
Tickets for BRHS Theatre Arts Little Shop of Horrors
The show’s director, Ms. Diafori-Day, is assisted by a talented and devoted group.
They are :
Choreographer: Kelly Cirone
Technical Director: Daniel Schulze
Set Designer: Sarah Nasson
Here are the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts students who make up the cast and crew.
CAST LIST
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STUDENT LEADERSHIP & CREW