Displaying items by tag: little shop of horrors

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken, is the ultimate Halloween and fall musical for cult hit fans. This spooky, yet fun production captures the essence of the beloved story, making it a must-see for the season.

It all began in 1982 when the off-off-Broadway performances first took place, before moving off-Broadway to Orpheum Theater. But most probably remember the 1986 film adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz and based on the off-Broadway musical, starring Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Vincent Gardenia. The musical centers on Mushnik’s Flower Shop, a struggling business in a shabby neighborhood. Here, Seymour, a nerdy employee, discovers and nurtures an alien carnivorous plant, which he names Audrey II, after his co-worker Audrey, who he is crushing on. Driven by his love for Audrey and the desire to boost the shop's dwindling sales for Mr. Mushnik, Seymour helps the unidentified plant grow with steadfast dedication. Unfortunately, the food that the plant needs to grow is human blood, and the musical becomes a lesson in being careful what you wish for!

Kayla Shipman truly excels as Audrey. With her lovely presence and remarkable singing voice, Shipman captures the audience's hearts with her sweet and caring personality. This makes the revenge against her abusive, violent dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, all the more satisfying. One of Shipman’s notable numbers is "Somewhere That's Green,” a touching ballad where Audrey shares her dreams of leaving behind her bleak, urban life. She envisions finding happiness in a serene, suburban setting with a home, a yard, and a family filled with love and contentment. This poignant moment unveils her vulnerability and longing for a brighter future. 

(L to R) Kayla Shipman and Jimmy Hogan in Little Shop of Horrors from Music Theater Works.

Jimmy Hogan portrays Seymour as a likable character who must muster more courage to handle the plant's demands. His grounded performance provides a perfect counterbalance to the rest of the cast's comedic extremes. Hogan really shines in his powerful number with Shipman, "Suddenly Seymour.” The song signifies a pivotal moment in Audrey and Seymour's relationship. Audrey comes to see that Seymour genuinely cares for her and offers a brighter future. It's a moment of revelation and reassurance, with Seymour vowing to protect her and demonstrating that she deserves love and happiness. Themes of love, support, and newfound confidence shine through in this heartfelt duet.

The plant comes alive thanks to Najee Musiq Rawls, who voices Audrey II and really impresses during “Feed Me (Git it!).” "Feed Me (Git It!)" is a crucial song in Little Shop of Horrors. Here, the carnivorous plant Audrey II insists on more human blood to grow stronger, luring Seymour with promises of fame, fortune, and love. This song spotlights Seymour's moral struggle, caught between his conscience and the plant's insatiable hunger, heightening the story's tension and propelling the plot forward.

Sam Nachison delivers a standout performance as Orin Scrivello, particularly shining in the number “Dentist!” This song, which hilariously recounts how his sadistic tendencies drove him to dentistry, showcases Nachison's talent and darkly comedic flair. The cast is bolstered by a talented ensemble who deliver strong performances in both dance and song numbers while Thomas M. Shea does an admirable job in his portrayal of store owner, Mr. Mushnik. The show gets an additional lift from its excellent set design, lighting, costumes, and puppetry. Music Theatre Works never fails to produce vibrant and captivating productions.

Although the set begins with a dark and somber feel, it brightens considerably with lighting effects and vibrant costume changes as Audrey II's fame and popularity grow, captivating audiences worldwide. The company excels in strategically staging this wild musical in the intimate North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in nearby Skokie. 

Little Shop of Horrors is expertly directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan, with choreography by Reneisha Jenkins and musical direction by Linda Madonia. I recommend this show for audiences aged 13 and over. Though an entertaining story with plenty of humorous moments, the themes in Little Shop of Horrors, such as domestic violence, a sadistic dentist who tortures his patients, and a plant that grows by devouring humans, are questionable for younger viewers, despite the show's renowned puppetry.

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors is currently being performed in the North Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts through November 17th. For tickets and/or more show information, click HERE. 

In a little floral shop on a New York City skid row, something strange is happening. A never-before-seen plant is attracting customers, all the while certain people in acquaintance with its owner are mysteriously disappearing. The horror of it all is as potent as the comedy. Mercury Theater Chicago’s production of 1982’s Little Shop of Horrors breathes new life into a musical theatre cult classic with a high energy ensemble and standout voices. 

Directed by L. Walter Stearns and with puppets designed by Martin P. Robinson, this production is a tribute to the original stage production and the 1986 film adaptation. The 1960s-style rock, doo-wop and Motown-style music by Alan Menken is showcased beautifully by the strong singers onstage. Christopher Kale Jones as Seymour along with Dana Tretta as Audrey belted and held notes to cheers and applause mid-song, and the three female chorus girls stunned with their on-point harmonies and powerful vocals.

The killer plant, Audrey II, is seamlessly puppeteered by Sam Woods from infant budding through full-on, Super Mario-style piranha plant. And Audrey II’s cheekiness and deep voice come through fantastically from Jonah Winston. It’s a lot of fun, darkly funny, and quality on all levels.

Because of some adult themes — murderous alien plant notwithstanding — this production is recommended for those 10 and older. 

Little Shop of Horrors is playing at Mercury Theater Chicago through April 28th. Tickets here.

*Extended through Sunday, June 30th

Catchy songs, hilarious characters and a man-eating plant. Little Shop of Horrors now playing at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook has it all. With music by Alan Menken that fall in the style of 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and Motown, we get a soundtrack that helps deliver this humorous story, perfectly enhancing writer Howard Ahsman’s vision into what became a stage and film sensation in the 1980s. Songs like "Skid Row (Downtown)", "Somewhere That's Green", and "Suddenly, Seymour" are as kitschy as they come as are the characters in this far-fetched, but seriously funny story.

We find ourselves in a local plant and flower shop – “Mushnik’s”. Business is bad and owner Mr. Mushnik is not sure how he can hold on for very much longer. His two employees, Seymour and Audrey, stand around all day with nothing to do since there is – nothing to do. But Seymour has a secret. He has been experimenting in the shop’s basement on a plant that resembles a Venus Fly Trap. But it is no ordinary fly-eating plant, it is much larger and quite unusual looking. He finally brings the plant upstairs and suggests it be placed in the store window to possibly attract passersby’s. Mushnik scoffs at the notion but figures he has nothing to lose – and wouldn’t you know it, a man enters the store within minutes to purchase a hundred dollars’ worth of roses. The plant becomes a sensation as it gets larger and larger by the day, business is off the charts and everything seems rosy for the once struggling shop. But what makes the plant grow so quickly? We soon find out and a whole world of absurdity and suspense is opened. Twists and turns ahead, folks.

At the same time, Audrey seems to show up to work each day with a new injury. It is suspected that her boyfriend, a sadistic dentist, is to blame – and Seymour won’t have that. He has a crush on Audrey and has in fact named the plant Audrey Two. As the story progresses, it becomes crazier and crazier – silly but engaging. A trio of talented singers (Melanie Brezill, Candace C. Edwards and Melanie Loren) help narrate the story, also switching back and forth between roles.

Will Lidke is terrific as Seymour and is as nerdy as one could get in the role while Kelly Felthous as Audrey nails the squeaky-voiced, ditzy blonde stereotype, ala many a Marylin Monroe role. Both deliver great comedic moments and are truly fun to watch. Ron E. Rains is well cast as Mushnik and has plenty of key moments, as well. But it is Chicago acting veteran Steven Stafford who steals many of the scenes as the abusive dentist (also playing many other roles), displaying epic comedic line delivery and perfectly timed physical humor. The voice of the plant (yes, it talks – and sings) is beautifully done by Lorenzo Rush Jr. while Matthew Sitz takes on the tough task of bringing the plant to life.

A light, though twisted, story with a slew of laughs and one likeable song after another is the prefect way to kick off the Fall season. Together with brilliant direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno and musical direction by Roberta Duchak, the musical’s superb performances and an amazing set design do this funny classic the way it should be done.

Highly recommended.

Little Shop of Horrors is being performed at Drury Lane Theatre through October 28th. For tickets and/or more show information visit www.drurylanetheatre.com.

Once in awhile a musical comes around so weird that you have to see it to understand it. Based on a 1960 b-movie of the same name, "Little Shop or Horrors" tells the story of a man-eating plant raised by a nerdy guy working in a flower shop. Legendary composers Alan Menken and Howard Ashman collaborated on a musical version of it as a tribute to 60s rock 'n roll and drive-in movies. It started as an Off-Off Broadway show in 1982 and then transitioned to the Off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre, where it ran for five years.  The film version followed in 1986 and is considered one of the best movie musicals ever made.

It's no surprise American Blues Theater had to extend their production by popular demand. Jonathan Berry directs an excellent "Little Shop of Horrors" for American Blues Theater with musical direction by Austin Cook. From the get-go, audiences will find themselves caught in the tentacles of this plant tale. Real-life married couple Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron play Seymour and Audrey. Both have incredible voices and make these characters their own. The result is very charming. The stoop urchins: Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal (aptly named after the girl groups they sing in the style of) are so good they may even outshine the plant. Camille Robinson, Jasondra Johnson and Eunice Woods crush their roles as the doo-wop Greek chorus. It seems like these three fantastic voices are having a blast working together. That said, the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II, provided by Lorenzo Rush Jr is really powerful, with a contagious evil laugh.

Despite the strong talent on the stage and in the pit, this "Little Shop of Horrors" further succeeds in its well designed set by Grant Sabin. This show requires a good puppet master. Sarah E Ross' Audrey II puppets are awesome. The puppet creates some of the best laughs of the evening, especially in the finale.

Like "Rocky Horror", and "Grease" - the music of "Little Shop of Horrors" makes you feel good. The team behind this musical was also responsible for Disney's string of critically acclaimed animated musicals like "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast."  "Little Shop of Horrors" at America Blues Theater is a show you'd have to be a mean, green, mother not to enjoy. (John Accrocco)

Through June 26th at The Greenhouse Theatre. 2257 N Lincoln Ave. 773-404-7336