The only thing constant is change. This sentiment has affected all aspects of Hermann High School’s fall production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Due to the graduation of nine former cast members in May and the introduction of new talent into the program, the build toward the latest production has had highs and lows. Little Shop of Horrors marks the debut performance of three gifted actresses, Katie Krueger, Ashlyn Hughes, and Maddy Rose.

Backstage, Hughes waits while her makeup is applied, checking the time and talking with friends.  “(What I love about) the club are all the friends that I’ve made so far. Some of my favorite people are ones I’ve met through drama,” she said.

Ashlyn is not alone; members often remark about the vibrant and encouraging community within the club. Having a common interest builds bridges and encourages students to be around others with the same social sensibilities. In the show, Hughes plays Ronnette, one of three “Urchins,” who sing throughout the show, acting as omniscient narrators in the other characters’ lives. Joining her is Maddy Rose, who plays another Urchin, Crystal.

“All my life, I’ve loved musical theater — so much so that it annoys my entire family when I talk about it,” said Rose. “Even though it’s something I love, I never saw it as something I’d pursue before now.”

Rose plays Crystal with the character’s signature spunkiness, infusing scenes with attitude, specifically those with Max Miller’s character, Orin Scrivello. While Rose’s character doesn’t always get along with those onstage, the actress jokes with castmates between scenes.

“Drama Club has quickly become the highlight of my year. I got closer to friends I met in Drama before, and I gained experience in something I never even imagined doing,” said Rose.

Being part of a production comes with a heavy dose of responsibility. No one knows this better than Katie Krueger, who portrays Audrey, the lead female character. While Krueger certainly feels the pressure she’s under, she also recognizes the opportunity of the role.

“Being in Little Shop of Horrors is a privilege I was not expecting to get,” said Krueger. “When I walked in to audition, I was a nervous wreck! Not really having any acting experience didn’t help, but I kept going and eventually got a big role.”

Though Krueger shines in her role as Audrey, she makes a point to thank those who supported her.

“Having Morgan (Neill) and Grace (Kloessner) there helped me become more comfortable adjusting to everything,” she said. “It was a little stressful fitting everything in and having other extracurricular activities taking up my time. Eventually, everything smoothed out and fit together. I’m happy that I joined and gave Drama a chance, it was worth all of the ups and downs.”

Though this performance has ended, all three actresses look to the future, anticipating auditions for the spring play, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, (Abridged) [Revised].

With the experience of the fall show and their natural talent, Hughes, Krueger, and Rose are more than prepared for many more shows with the Hermann High Drama Club.