Sophia and John pose in front of the largest Audrey II puppet

Meet Sophia Fabiilli and John Campbell. They had never met before rehearsals for Rose Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors began last week and are now in a very unique position with each performing half of a character. Together they are the man-eating plant Audrey II, one of the main characters in the R&B/Doo-Wop/Rock musical hitting the stage July 26. The role is such a complex one to perform, it is traditionally done by two actors. Sophia, an actor and dancer, will be controlling all the movements of Audrey II while John, who has played this role numerous times, provides all the vocals from off-stage. Since it's Sophia's first time manning the carnivorous plant, she called on John's partner in his last production for some tips.  He recommended that they rehearse the role side by side, without the puppet, to learn how to emulate eachother and make the portrayal of the plant appear seamless to the audience.  As an observer of the rehearsal one cannot help but notice how in sync these two are already. Physically they could not be more different, yet as the plant, even with out any costuming or props, their character's intensity and ferocity comes across with crystal clarity.


Singing "The guy sure looks like plant food to me" in Feed Me



Very little improvisation can occur, each intonation and chuckle is carefully timed between the two.

The Audrey II role consists of four puppets that represent the growth of the plant from a cute little hand held bud to the monstrous eight foot plant in the final scenes. Sophia needs to be hidden from the audience and the trickery is done at times with countertops, props and actually working from inside the plant.  The actor who works the movements of the plant requires extreme strength but must also be able to fit inside the confined spaces of the puppet or counter - not exactly a job for the claustrophobic!  This is why the deep, soulful, baritone voice and the movement of the plant cannot be found in just one person. And so this fascinating partnership is born!

Sophia with the smallest Audrey II

Sophia prepares to enter the largest Audrey II for the first time.  She sits on a chair inside a terracotta pot with a seat belt securing her to the base.   A large foam head about three times larger than her goes over her head and she manipulates the puppet from inside using a series of bars and levers.

Now inside, you can see the scale of the prop that she will bring to life.  It's HUGE!

Audrey II, ready for her close up!

This musical is one-of-a-kind and the sets, costumes and talent will blow you away.  Be sure to get your tickets now for the show all of Brampton will be talking about.  Click here to buy now.