Musical Spotlight: Little Shop of Horrors

A hungry plant, a sweet boy, and a wish that grows too fast are at the heart of Little Shop of Horrors. This show makes you laugh and gasp, blending spooky moments with silly humor. Its charm lies in this mix. Where some shows are serious, this one grins while it warns you. The story unfolds in Skid Row, where Seymour works at a small flower shop. He discovers a strange plant and names it Audrey II, after the girl he loves. When the plant wilts, he thinks of feeding it blood. This unusual diet makes the plant grow, bringing fame and success to Seymour. But Audrey II wants more than just attention. It craves food, and Seymour must decide: keep feeding its growth or stop before losing everything.

The show’s magic comes from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Ashman wrote the book and lyrics, while Menken composed the music. Ashman even directed the original stage production. This creative team changed how stories are told in musicals, mixing humor, heart, and clear conflict.

Little Shop started Off-Off-Broadway at the WPA Theatre and soon moved to the Orpheum Theatre. There, it became a landmark production, running for 2,209 performances—a remarkable feat for an Off-Broadway show (Lortel Archives).

A few years later, the plant sprouted on film. The 1986 movie directed by Frank Oz and featuring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene reached wider audiences and added a new song, Mean Green Mother from Outer Space, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (Oscars.org).

The score blends catchy tunes with doo-wop and Motown influences. Songs like Prologue, Skid Row (Downtown), and Suddenly, Seymour balance humor and emotion. You get big laughs, plus real feelings, in one night. The latest Off-Broadway revival at the Westside Theatre opened in 2019 and continues to thrive, proving the show's timeless appeal (Playbill).

Why does this story connect with so many? It’s about ambition, asking what we would trade for attention and love. It also challenges theaters with a plant that grows bigger, bolder, and louder throughout the show. This mix of camp and skill makes it a beloved choice for schools and professional productions.

If you’re planning a production, focus on the plant. Most shows use several Audrey II puppets, each larger than the last. Schedule early meetings with your puppet team for lighting and sound. Often, the voice of Audrey II is offstage, so syncing the mic, monitor mix, and puppet movement is crucial. Plan extra rehearsal time for the final puppet, giving the operator stamina and clear choreography, especially for tricky songs like Feed Me.

Casting is another puzzle. Audrey II needs a resonant bass-baritone for funk and humor, while Seymour needs a sincere tenor who shows heart. Audrey’s character requires a bright singer for Suddenly, Seymour and a softer touch for Somewhere That’s Green. The dentist role, played by Orin, is best for a comic baritone. The three street girls—Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon—should move together like a classic girl group.

For teachers and directors, the show has clear lessons. Mark cutoffs and breaths in Skid Row for a tight performance. Set a steady beat for songs like Dentist! to enhance the humor. Use a checklist for prop handoffs around the plant to assure timing and safety. Test sightlines so all audiences can see Audrey II’s mouth during key moments.

With its lively songs and vibrant humor, Little Shop of Horrors continues to win hearts. It reminds us to enjoy life's scares while keeping hope alive. The music is catchy, the plant is fierce, and the lesson resonates: wishes may grow teeth if we feed them, but even on Skid Row, everyone can sing their truth.

Horror meets doo-wop, and a simple wish grows teeth.