Movie and television actress Sue Ramirez is venturing into musical theater for the first time in Sandbox Collective’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. In the production, she portrays the unlucky-in-love heroine, Audrey, sharing the role with Karylle Tatlonghari.
Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the 27-year-old actress said she had to make major adjustments and unlearn a few things because theater is an entirely different world.
“I had to unlearn everything because it’s a totally different world out here. What I like about doing theater is they encourage you to make mistakes, unlike in TV, where it’s fast-paced. In TV projects, you can prove you’re a good actor when you can do only one take,” she explained.
“In theater, on the other hand, when you make mistakes, a lot of people will help you out. They will give you tips on how you can improve your performance. The rehearsals have been really fun; we’ve all been making mistakes,” Sue continued.
Talking about her co-actors in the musical, she said, “They all inspire me. They’ve been so helpful. A lot of people still don’t know that I can sing, but I’m constantly improving with the help of our director and vocal coach.”
The Sandbox Collective is staging Little Shop of Horrors at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater. Opening this July as part of their 10th anniversary season, the production guarantees an unforgettable theatrical experience like never before.
Based on the 1960 film by Roger Corman, Little Shop of Horrors tells the tale of Seymour Krelborn, a down-on-his-luck floral assistant who discovers a mysterious plant with an insatiable appetite for human blood. As the plant, named Audrey II, grows and gains fame, Seymour finds himself tangled in a web of fame, love, and moral dilemmas. With a blend of humor, horror, and heart, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut Off-Off-Broadway in 1982.
At the heart of the production is the music of legendary composer Alan Menken and the lyrics of Howard Ashman. Together, they have created compositions that have earned numerous accolades, including several Academy Awards and Grammy Awards. Audiences can expect to be dazzled by memorable songs such as “Suddenly, Seymour” and “Somewhere That’s Green,” which have become iconic in the musical theater canon.
Adding to the enchantment of Little Shop of Horrors is the creative team, led by director Toff de Venecia.
In sharing his vision for the show, Toff said, “Little Shop of Horrors has always been like musical theatre of the absurd. A talking plant that eats people? It doesn’t get any more absurd than that. Exploring the show from that theatrical vantage point allows us to dream up a surrealist world in which to bring to life this beloved classic with tinges of horror, whimsy, and hope.”
Joining Toff in realizing this vision is puppet artist Kayla Teodoro, known for her exceptional work in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s My Neighbour Totoro and the National Theatre of London’s Life of Pi. Teodoro brings Audrey II to life with her inventive design, promising to infuse the production with a sense of wonder. Meanwhile, scenographer Mio Infante, having most recently designed the set of 9 Works Theatrical’s restaging of Rent, will transport audiences to the eccentric world of Skid Row, where the story unfolds.
The cast includes Reb Atadero and Nyoy Volante alternating as Seymour. Markki Stroem and David Ezra will alternately play the dentist Orin, while Audie Gemora portrays Mr. Mushnik. OJ Mariano will voice Audrey II, and the Street Urchins will be played by Mikee Baskiñas, Abi Sulit, Paula Paguio, and Julia Serad, who also plays Audrey II in select shows. The Audrey II movement ensemble features Franco Ramos, Francis Gatmaytan, Cheska Quimno, Kirby Dunnzell, and Jacqui Jacinto as the swing.
Little Shop of Horrors will run all weekends from July 6 to 28. Shows will run at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday and at 8:00 p.m. every Friday.