Provided by Ruby Davis

The cast of Little Shop of Horrors rehearses for their shows.

25 years ago, the Westford Academy Theater Arts program (WATA) was born. To commemorate this anniversary, WATA is bringing back the show that started it all, Little Shop of Horrors. 

With Little Shop of Horrors having premiered at WA on Nov. 10th, the show will have five more performances scheduled on Nov. 16th, 17th, 18th, and 21st, at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22nd at 5 p.m. for WATA’s 25th Anniversary musical celebration. 

The show, Little Shop of Horrors, is a musical following a flower shop worker, Seymour, who discovers a carnivorous plant that feeds on human flesh. While the show is mainly a comedy, Director Michael Towers believes that it still discusses relevant themes, one of which being violence against women.

“[This show] is a comedy, it’s a satire, but it still dives into some deep issues that are important to talk about,” Towers said.

The character Audrey, played by senior Jess Materazzo, deals with these difficult topics, pushing Materazzo to step out of her comfort zone. 

“The character of Audrey demands complete vulnerability from the actor as she deals with topics such as objectification and violence against women, something the world is still fighting today,” Materazzo said. “I am not Audrey, there are bits of myself in there, but in order for me to truthfully portray her story I must separate myself from the character, a challenge that I personally struggle with the most, but this process has allowed me to overcome it.”

This show is unique because it is the first time a student has choreographed a main stage show. Senior Leah Stafford has choreographed shows in the past, however, choreographing Little Shop of Horrors was more difficult than the other times.  

“It’s been a bit of a challenge because Little Shop of Horrors isn’t intended to be a show with dance,” Stafford said. “Mr. Towers knew we had some incredible dance talent at WA so he wanted to feature that talent.” 

This also makes WA’s production of Little Shop to likely be the first version to have a dance team, according to Stafford. Additionally, WATA’s use of a turntable on the stage makes the performance even more unique.

The show’s complex set and production has given everyone who is a part of the show a larger appreciation for tech members. 

“When I look back to the beginning of our process, I feel so much pride in our department in our efforts to put forth such an incredible set and performance,” Materazzo said. “We worked so incredibly long and hard on [this show], and I am especially grateful for our resilient technicians for putting together such a beautiful world for us to play in. They deserve the world.” 

Tickets for the remaining performances can be purchased using this link or at the door. 

“I believe that everyone should come see the show because of its many great, comedic, inspiring, and heartwarming aspects just in the script alone,” junior and assistant director Ruby Davis said. “It is a show to bring your whole family too, and you won’t be disappointed. From the convincing work of our actors to the attention to detail from our tech team, the Little Shop company has worked very hard and I’m incredibly proud of them.”