Little Shop of Talent
November 22, 2016
Nine years ago, a little boy standing in music class at Ellen Hopkins Elementary was given an opportunity as a third grader to experience what theater was all about. Later, he became a member of the T-Choir group at Trollwood Performing Arts School. Now, after almost a decade’s worth of performances, Moorhead High School senior Devon Solwold takes the stage one more time in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Last year he was the vine-swinging ape man in “Tarzan,” but this year, he is brilliant botanist Seymour Krelborn in this year’s fall musical.
“Seymour has a sort of dorky humor, and I feel acclimated with him. I can revert to a kind of comedic rhythm Seymour has,” Solwold said.
Solwold is also the student artistic director, meaning he helps make what Rebecca Meyer-Larson, the fall musical director, says more clear to the cast.
“I hope to bridge the gap between the artistic staff and cast members. Especially the ones who are just walking into this experience with wide eyes and feel maybe a little intimidated or nervous,” Solwold said. “I want to relay moral support for them.”
“He shows kindness to underclassmen. For example, at the parent meeting, he said if anyone ever needed a ride he would be more than happy to give them one. I’m touched by that,” Meyer-Larson said.
Solwold also is collaborating with poster designer Devon Manney to create the 3D and video aspect of this fall’s show.
This isn’t the first time Manney and Solwold have collaborated. Manney is a 2013 graduate of Moorhead High School and both were leads in Act Up Theatre’s summer production of “American Idiot.”
“Its demand and passion was [the] most intense. It’s a performer’s show,” Solwold said. “It has such a great purpose, and you get to just do your thing.”
Solwold will continue doing his thing in “Little Shop of Horrors,” which has final performances on Nov. 25-26. Tickets can be purchased at www.moorheadschools.org/tix or by calling 218-284-2255.
- Kaden Moszer, Reporter for Moorhead High’s The Spud
Photo caption: Devon Solwold reviews notes with senior Sarah Schulz. Photo by Kaden Moszer.
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