Get to Know The Man Behind The Plant: Luis Flores Torres

Posted October 12, 2022

Luis is no stranger to the plant suit, having been Audrey II before. A Little Shop of Horrors long-time fan, Luis was excited at the opportunity to bring this eerie, macabre yet lively character to life in a musical theatre production. A singer and an actor, Luis gets to show audiences yet another skill of his.

If you’ve ever seen a live production of this show before—you might appreciate the role that the puppeteer plays. All the movements are coordinated and rehearsed, no cameras or peep holes! Get to know a little bit more about our Audrey II.

What is your role and tell us the significance of it?

My role as the puppeteer for Audrey 2 is to bring it to life and personify it with the voice. Even though it’s a man-eating plant, the main goal is to build a relationship with the audience throughout the musical. The physicality of the puppet is so important and has to express cunning/likeable qualities so the audience can gain perspective as to how someone like Seymour could willingly feed human flesh to a carnivorous plant.

What inspired you to get into musical theater?

I was in a vocal class in college to focus on my voice acting skills, but my vocal professor persuaded the entire class to audition for the upcoming musical. I ended up getting cast and was pleasantly surprised by the versatility of skills that musical theater taught me. So I decided to pursue it further and here we are.

What was your first introduction to “Little Shop of Horrors” ?

I bought the movie on a whim at the mall one day only knowing it had one of my favorite actors, Rick Moranis featuring a carnivorous plant. I had a hunch I would end up liking it, but I ended up loving it and watched it multiple times in a row.

What’s the best part about being a puppeteer?

For me it’s the magic of bringing an inanimate object to life and having people connect to it. It’s the same magic I felt watching Sesame Street or the Muppets growing up, which is the whole reason I do this in the first place.

If you were to get 1 million dollars every time you feed Audrey II flesh, would you do it?

I’ve seen the musical too many times to fall for this question. No, but secretly yes…

What is your favorite song in the show?

I love Feed Me and get a kick out of performing it every time. For me it’s when the show hits 3rd gear and things just spiral out of control from then on. It does make me wish Audrey 2 had other diva-esque songs in the show like Mean Green Mother from Outer Space.

Dream role?

I would absolutely love to play any role in Avenue Q, but if I had to choose it would definitely be Nicky.

SDMT Presents “Little Shop of Horrors” | Now – October 30th, 2022
Director: Kandace Crystal
A.D. & Choreographer: Luke H. Jacobs
Music Director: Richard Dueñez Morrison
Click HERE to purchase tickets!

San Diego Musical Theatre