LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 🤩

Every theatre arts teacher has one or two plays or musicals they always wanted to produce and direct on stage. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS was one of mine. There never seemed to be the right time, and timing is everything when creating an okay season for my community. It is a regret. Ever since I first heard the opening number of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, I was smitten with plant fever and a huge crush on Seymour, played by Rick Moranis. What can I say? I am a sucker for those puppy dog eyes and brows. 

LSOH is a tribute to all those bad B movies from the past. The music pulsates and stays memorable because of the phenomenally brilliant acting and singing voices featuring Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, John Candy, Jim Belushi, Vincent Gardenia, Bill Murray, Christopher Guest, Levi Stubbs, and the Greek Chorus Trio. Frank Oz, the director, assembled this stellar group and let them work their magic for the camera. 

Audrey II, the humongous, bloodthirsty alien plant from outer space, was a creation from the Jim Henson Studio. I can never forget the image of a plant screaming, “Feed me, Seymour,” whether it was sucking on tiny droplets, eating chopped-up body parts, or devouring a whole human, all while belting out the song, MEAN GREEN MOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE. It was a feeding frenzy. 

The chemistry between Audrey and Seymour was outstanding. Their duets took my breath away, especially when singing SUDDENLY SEYMOUR. They were two lost souls who found each other by sheer luck or a total eclipse of the sun. Improv was the key to some of the funniest and most outrageous scenes and lines. With Steve, Jim, Bill, and John, it had to be a director’s delight. Oh, the outtakes would have been hilarious. 

The use of the fabulous Greek Chorus Trio also presented several of my favorite production numbers, like SKID-ROW, SOMEWHERE THAT’S GREEN, AND SUPPER TIME. The trio’s voices and movements were high-energy perfection. The sets, costumes, hair, and make-up transported everyone to the 60’s. 

LITTLE SHOP OF HORROR premiered in 1986 and still holds up well today due to the strong, silly story and awesome music. Halloween does not have to be super scary and gory. It can be campy and toe-tapping as well. This is how I like my Halloween. Here’s hoping you do, too. World conquest is averted, and I can sing along.

It is available to rent.