I attended the Roselle Park High School (RPHS) production of Little Shop of Horrors this past weekend and was completely floored by the talent all around! I was never expecting to be blown away. It was a musical production so, in addition to the acting, there was a fabulous live orchestra and well-done choreography.
Roselle Park has a top-notch music program. Even though the high school is smaller compared to other schools, Magnet school kids come to Roselle Park for music education and take part in the musical since Magnet does not have a music program. The teachers are very talented and care deeply about passing on their dedication and professionalism to the students they teach.
Because of this, the orchestra music was insanely great and what I would consider to be advanced.
I have seen Little Shop of Horrors done by other schools and while good, Roselle Park’s version was outstanding. There was no hint of anything amateur in this play at all. Other school plays I have seen may have had a little hint of amateur but you don’t mind because it’s a high school play.
Not this one.
This was professionally done and stunned the crowd.
The actors were not shy about being over-the-top and submerging themselves completely into the characters they portrayed. My husband couldn’t stop laughing and I saw smiles all over the crowd’s faces. The internet was flooded with complements following each night of the play. When it was time for a song, the timing of the orchestra and singing cast was right on, never missing a beat. The songs were sung in tune and professionally.
For all those who attended the show, it was a real treat that left us pleasantly surprised time and again and if we were unaware of Roselle Park’s performing arts education before, have been left with no doubt that these kids are being given the best available.
Excellent job, Roselle Park!
More photographs of the production can be found at its portfolio page (link).
Photograph courtesy of Sharon Ann Curia. Copyright intact and protected.
Sharon Ann Curia is a resident of Roselle Park as well as a professional photographer. Her award-winning images have been on display in local galleries and her studio was recently awarded the 2014 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award. More information can be found at her website (link) or Facebook page (link).