Marietta’s NEW Theatre in the Square — Attraction in Marietta

Let me start by saying that while I’m not one to usually leave reviews of experiences in general, it felt prudent to do so here. While some of the reviews of this company’s most recent production of “Little Shop of Horrors” felt a bit harsh, they also weren’t wrong, and I can’t disagree. Having said all that, this is one of my favorite shows of all time. While I haven’t seen it on broadway, I’ve seen three other productions of it at various levels, high school, college, and local just like this. Even in rougher versions, I always enjoy this show, but to charge $40+ for a ticket wasn’t quite fair, considering the end result. It was far more leaning towards technical issues, rather than performance ones.

The obvious positives were the talent on stage. Singing overall was top notch. It’s a harder-than-you’d-think show to sing, due to its soulful nature, but they pulled it off quite well. I almost wish they took some more bold choices on the riffs and moments to shine, but there definitely was a few that were noticeable, mostly from Audrey. The Street Urchins were far and beyond the best part of the show. Their energy, soul, voices, and acting were hard to look away from, and they clearly seemed to be having the most fun. Mushnik and The Dentist helped keep the comedic chops in which were otherwise a bit lacking off of what’s supposed to be a hilarious script. Seymour, Audrey, both 1 and 2, while very talented, felt like they didn’t click chemistry wise. Some of the funniest lines like “the gutter…it’s a night spot” and “so what I’ve been a little on the anemic side” had no comedic spark. I blame more the direction than the actors, as they need to be directed on how to make the script humorous. While they acted their butts off, something about it felt going through the motions, but when dealing with a lot of the technical concerns, I could see why they may have not had their hearts fully in it…

I do not take issue with the directors coming out and making personal statements. It’s actually quite common, and it’s nice to see them take pride in their work. But much of the shows downfall came to director and the production issues. First off, a show like this can make great use of a small, intimate space, but to then hinder the stage with a giant white backdrop to project light onto felt lazy and distracting, especially when you see the computers pop ups show on the screen which pulls you out of it so fast. Loved the diverse choices, making it about African American culture, and that whole direction. But there are stronger ways to do it then just blasting images onto the “stage”. Audrey 2 not even being there was unfortunate. Perfectly serviceable voice, but again, lacking the spirit of what’s supposed to be the coolest element of the show. It’s tough to pull off the 4 versions of the puppet, and design wise was nice. But when you’re using only 1/3 of the stage in the pocket, it’s hard to see for us on the sides. In the second act, “Meek Shall Inherit” was completely acapella. At first I thought this was a choice. But then realized the music cue was entirely missed and they just ran with it. If you can’t afford to have a live instrumental (which feels criminal for a show like this), then you have to make due. But this YouTube karaoke style doesn’t feel fair to charge people $40 to see.

The director looked displeased during intermission as he worked the counter, a far cry from his warm energetic intro. The first act was riddled with Seymour’s microphone issues which was distracting to say the least. It was indeed very warm in the theatre. But it was my first time here and I liked the small local vibe, especially in such a cool square. I do hope they keep putting on beloved shows here, but either charge less money, or up the quality of the production. Get rid of the giant white backdrop, and if you’re doing musicals, please have actual instruments. If rating out of 5 stars, each star qualifying for Singing, Acting, Theatre Experience, Direction, and overall Soul of the show, I’d give this 2.5 for the first...

I spent 15hrs at this theatre working with film festival due to them booking me. However I was there under no contract for pay , every now and then I voluntarily support projects and boost them on my platform. In these unprecedented times more importantly I have been more than open to doing free work under black owned businesses in hopes to put them on the map with my influence . Everyone there including myself paid their own gas to get there , worked through hunger or had to go and buy their own food because none was provided and most didn’t even know there was water there. Also being that this was a film we worked in full heat with no ac or rooms with separate ac. We were scheduled for a two hour break which was cut down to an hour . I explained how that wasn’t enough time to eat and for me to go home and check on my dog who had now been alone at home from 9am until 6pm. I let them know I would have to leave to walk him and take care of him and I would be back . It was then suggested to me by staff to bring my dog to the property . As skeptical as I was , I was also thrilled . I brought my dog to the theatre and began rehearsal . In a matter of an hour I heard my dog barking . My dog does not bark . He is 8 years old with no record of aggression. He has been with me since I was 18 . A huge part of my life , so I’m sure you can imagine the overwhelming feeling I had hearing that. When I arrived outside I was presented with information that disturbed me very much. I was told by other actors they were accused of smoking weed in a place that is supposed to be a safe haven to express your art . I was also told my dog was called out his name (BIT**)and demanded to be tied to a pole. Never in my life have I experienced this level of unprofessionalism in a business. I was deeply hurt by these actions. the fact that the owners sonntold me to my face he doesn’t care if anyone was disrespected and that I couldn’t speak to the owner that allegedly said these things I was appalled. I let him know I didn’t feel like my dog is safe there if the person owning the place doesn’t want him there . No matter what was said I was never given an opportunity to ask if I needed to remove my dog. I need to know things like this so legal action cannot be used against me if someone truly has an issue. He let me know since I didn’t feel safe I could leave. A complete twist of my words. This treatment is inhuman and disrespectful to the people that come to work on a project . Especially free , I just charged 10k in 3 days with a similar type of company and less hours total. So I would think my time would be super meaningful and appreciated there considering all payment was waved due to the support I felt in my spirit to show. Unfortunately it wasn’t and I was treated very bad and my pet was mistreated. 70k people watched my live broadcast that day and I got so many messages on how disgusting it is . Please do not work here or count on being...

Legitimately the worst experience I've had in a theater. I had three friends in their production of Little Shop of Horrors and would not recommend anyone to see a show at this theater until a director change is made.

The experience:

The "director" comes out like a corporate comedian and makes the show about him for 5 minutes. Then the show starts. The sound for the actor playing Seymour was awful and crackling for the entire first act. And it wasn't a little crackle here and there, it happened every time he tried to speak or sing. The projector they use for their "set" would flicker the Apple update settings wheel here and there, during the show. Their laptop was on low battery for the last bit of the first half, I know this because I could see it in the top right corner. The lighting direction was atrocious and distracted from the wonderful acting and singing going on. The sound cues were missed consistently and at one point the actors had to sing a capella during a section that was not a capella. The sound was also incredibly loud for an intimate space.

The stage is a nice size, but the director only used maybe less than a third of the entire stage. The actors had to perform within what was perceived as basically a shoebox.

Based on my experience, this director should be fired. He has the audacity to put his name on the theater then put on a show that was still a rehearsal. I have never more wanted a refund for the experience I had today.

On top of this, the theater was awfully hot. Usually in that case, I would use a program to fan myself during the show. No programs were provided.

These actors have worked for nearly 2 months to rehearse for this show and they were failed by their director. I won't recommend anyone to audition here and I won't recommend anyone to see a performance at this theater.

I would have found the director to speak with him about how poorly this show was executed, but he hid behind the concession stand.

Again, the actors sang and performed incredibly well. It takes a lot to overcome poor direction and unfortunately Emil...