Photo by Saul Young

Mitch Miller and Lindsey Jenne’ Hansom star in the Clarence Brown Theatre’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Miller holds one of the incarnations of Audrey II.

Audrey II, seen here in its third incarnation, is a bloodthirsty plant that requires human blood to thrive in “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Clarence Brown Theatre’s Carousel Theatre.

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Zachary Parker and Patrick Ryan Kimberlin won't actually be seen by audiences attending the upcoming Clarence Brown Theatre production of "Little Shop of Horrors."

But the University of Tennessee junior theater majors get plenty of stage time in the Carousel Theatre show. Each is hidden in a hot, heavy version of the singing, dancing, person-eating, plant Audrey II.

Parker and Kimberlin operate three of the four Audrey II puppets used in "Little Shop." UT senior theater major Mitch Miller, who plays the lead role of Seymour, operates the other Audrey II incarnation.

While others make the puppets move, actor Brandon Gibson provides the creature's voice from offstage. Each puppeteer must move his puppet's mouth to match Gibson's speech. "It's basically like a two-man improv," said Parker.

Based on director Roger Corman's low-budget 1960 "B" movie, "Little Shop" incorporates black comedy, science fiction and Faustian legend with music. Directed by faculty member Terry Silver-Alford, the play is a Halloween time offering. Preview is Thursday, Oct. 29; opening night is Friday, Oct. 30. Other shows are on select dates Nov. 1-15.

"Little Shop" tells the story of nerdy flower shop worker Seymour and how his life changes when he finds a mysterious plant. Seymour has a crush on shop co-worker Audrey, portrayed by UT sophomore theater major Lindsey Jenne Hansom. So he names the plant he found Audrey II.

But Audrey II is no simple plant. This is a talking creature that needs human blood to survive and thrive.

Audrey II promises Seymour fame and fortune if he'll get it the nourishment it needs. When Seymour agrees, "Little Shop" combines the goofy with the creepy. Musical numbers are influenced by Motown, gospel and 1960s rock 'n' roll. There's fog, strobe lights and material that may not be suitable for young children.

Four different-sized puppets rented from a Florida company represent Audrey II as the play progresses. The first is a small potted hand puppet. Parker hides under a table to operate this version. The second plant is a larger puppet operated by Miller. The actor wears the puppet on his arm, carrying it as he makes it move.

The third and fourth versions grab attention. The large-lipped creations look like creepy, otherworld versions of a Venus flytrap. Fiberglass, foam and burlap cover the framing; airbrushed paint and fake leaves give the upper part of the puppet a horror-like look.

Kimberlin stands inside the fourth, final Audrey II that, he says, "is big enough to eat people." He's on stage for the play's second act.

Parker wears the third, slightly smaller version made of a 4-by-5-foot top and green "root pants." Wearing the pants, which have tenticle-like roots sewn around the legs, he sits on a stool hidden in a huge flower pot. The puppet top is lowered over and strapped on him. Parker then bends from the waist and leans forward, his arms stretched inside the puppet's large lower jaw. He uses lower back muscles to move this version of Audrey II side to side and hand levers to work the jaw while he's on stage 20 to 30 minutes in the first act.

Portraying a heavy, hot and huge foam-burlap plant can be exhausting, exhilarating and somewhat surprising.

"I knew there were going to be puppets in the show, but I thought at first they were going to be electronically operated," said Kimberlin.

The first three or four days Kimberlin donned the largest Audrey II costume he was "about as tired as when I was playing (high school) football."

Acting the role of a bloodthirsty plant requires some training. Kimberlin also makes sure to drink extra fluids to stay hydrated. Parker started workouts to strengthen his back and biceps about two months before rehearsals.

After all, Parker says, "Who doesn't want to be a giant man-eating plant?"

Amy McRary may be reached at 865-342-6437.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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