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Little Shop of Horrors(musical)

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This article is about the musical. For other uses, seeLittle Shop of Horrors.
Little Shop of Horrors
A thick, dark green border around an intricate drawing of the plant monster Audrey with a woman lying limp below it.
Original Cast Album
MusicAlan Menken
LyricsHoward Ashman
BookHoward Ashman
BasisThe Little Shop of Horrors
byCharles B. Griffith
Productions
2019 Off-Broadway revival
AwardsDrama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics

Little Shop of Horrorsis ahorror comedyrock musical[1]with music byAlan Menkenand lyrics and a book byHoward Ashman.The story follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The musical is loosely based on the low-budget 1960black comedyfilmThe Little Shop of Horrors.The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960srock and roll,doo-wopand earlyMotown,includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, "Skid Row (Downtown)", "Somewhere That's Green", and "Suddenly, Seymour".

The musical premieredoff-off-Broadwayin 1982 before moving to theOrpheum Theatreoff-Broadway,where it had a five-year run. It later received numerous productions in the U.S. and abroad, and a subsequentBroadwayproduction. In part because of its small cast, it has become popular with school and other amateur theatre groups.[2]The musical was also made into a1986 film of the same name,directed byFrank Oz.

Synopsis[edit]

Act I[edit]

A trio of 1960s street urchins named Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon set the scene ( "Little Shop of Horrors" ) and comment on the action throughout the show. Seymour Krelborn is a poor young man, an orphan living in an urbanskid row.Audrey is a pretty blonde with a fashion sense that leans towards the tacky. They lament their stations in life and the urban blight in their neighborhood ( "Skid Row (Downtown)" ). They are co-workers at a run-down flower shop owned and operated by the cranky Mr. Mushnik. After a suddeneclipseof the sun, Seymour finds a mysterious plant that looks like a largevenus flytrap( "Da-Doo" ). Seymour, who is secretly in love with Audrey, names the plant Audrey II in her honor.

The plant does not thrive in its new environment and appears to be dying, though Seymour takes very good care of it. He accidentally pricks his finger on a rose thorn, which draws blood, and Audrey II's pod opens thirstily. Seymour realizes that Audrey II requires blood to survive and allows the plant to suckle from his finger ( "Grow For Me" ). As Audrey II grows, it becomes an attraction at the flower shop and starts generating brisk business for Mushnik. As the caretaker of the plant, the timid Seymour is suddenly regarded as a hero ( "Ya Never Know" ), while Audrey secretly longs to leave her abusive boyfriend. Her dream is to lead an ideal suburban life with Seymour, complete with a tract home, frozen dinners, and plastic on the furniture ( "Somewhere That's Green" ).

Meanwhile, the employees at Mushnik's are sprucing up the flower shop because of the popularity of the rapidly growing Audrey II and the revenue that it is bringing in ( "Closed for Renovation" ). Audrey's abusive boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, asadisticdentist ( "Dentist!" ), encourages Seymour to take the plant and get out of Skid Row. Realizing that his store's sudden profitability is completely dependent on the plant (and therefore on Seymour), Mushnik takes advantage of Seymour's innocence by offering to adopt him and make him a full partner in the business ( "Mushnik and Son" ). Seymour accepts, even though Mushnik treats him poorly ( "Sudden Changes" ). When Seymour, running out of blood, stops feeding the plant, Audrey II demands blood and promises that, if fed, it will make sure that all of Seymour's dreams come true ( "Feed Me (Git It)" ).

Seymour sets up a late-night appointment with Orin, intending to kill him for his cruel treatment of Audrey. However, Seymour loses his nerve and decides not to commit the crime. Unfortunately for Orin, who is getting high onnitrous oxide,the gas device is stuck in the "on" position, and he suffocates while asking Seymour to save him. Though Seymour cannot bring himself to shoot Orin, he lets him die of asphyxiation ( "Now (It's Just The Gas)" ). Seymour feeds Orin's body to the now huge Audrey II, and the plant consumes it with ravenous glee ( "Act I Finale" ).

Act II[edit]

"Suddenly, Seymour"
The beginning of the last chorus of "Suddenly, Seymour", performed by Kerry Butler and Hunter Foster on the 2003 Broadway revival cast recording.
Problems playing this file? Seemedia help.

The flower shop is much busier, and Seymour and Audrey have trouble keeping up with the onslaught of orders ( "Call Back in the Morning" ). Audrey confides to Seymour that she feels guilty about Orin's disappearance, because secretly she wished it. The two admit their feelings for one another, and Seymour promises that he will protect and care for Audrey from now on ( "Suddenly, Seymour" ).

Before they can go, Mushnik confronts Seymour about Orin's death. Seymour denies killing Orin, but Mushnik wants him to give a statement to the police, who have begun investigating. Audrey II tells Seymour that he has to be rid of Mushnik or he will lose everything, including Audrey. Seymour tells Mushnik that he put the days' receipts inside Audrey II for safekeeping. Mushnik climbs inside the plant's gaping maw to search for the money and screams as he is devoured ( "Suppertime" ). Seymour now runs the flower shop, and reporters, salesmen, lawyers and agents approach him, promising him fame and fortune. Seymour realizes that it is only a matter of time before Audrey II will kill again and that he is morally responsible, but he does nothing over fear that Audrey will no longer love him if he is not successful ( "The Meek Shall Inherit" ).

As Seymour works on his speech for a lecture tour, Audrey II again squalls for blood. Seymour threatens to kill it just as Audrey walks in asking when Mushnik will return from "visiting his sick sister". Seymour learns that Audrey would still love him without the fame and resolves that following an upcomingLIFEmagazineinterview at the shop, Audrey II must die. Audrey is confused and frightened by Seymour's ramblings, but she runs home by his order.

That night, unable to sleep and distressed by Seymour's strange behavior, Audrey goes to the flower shop to talk with him. He is not there, and Audrey II begs her to water it. Not sensing the danger, she approaches to water it, and a vine pulls her into the plant's gaping maw ( "Sominex/Suppertime II "). Seymour arrives and pulls her out, but Audrey is mortally wounded. Her dying wish is for Seymour to feed her to the plant after she dies so that they can always be together. She dies in his arms, and he reluctantly honors her request (" Somewhere That's Green "(reprise)).

The next day, Patrick Martin from the World Botanical Enterprises tells Seymour that his company wishes to sell leafcuttingsof Audrey II in florist shops across America. Seymour realizes the plant's evil plan: world conquest. He tries shooting, cutting, and poisoning the plant, but it has grown too hardy to kill. Seymour, in desperation, runs into its open jaws with amacheteplanning to kill it from the inside, but he is quickly eaten ( "Bigger Than Hula-hoops" ). Patrick, Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon search for Seymour. Not finding him, Patrick tells the girls to take the cuttings.

Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon relate that, following these events, other plants appeared across America, tricking innocent people into feeding them blood in exchange for fame and fortune. Audrey II, bigger than ever, appears with opened new flowers revealing the faces of Seymour, Audrey, Mushnik and Orin, who beg that the plants must not be fed ( "Finale Ultimo: Don't Feed the Plants" ). Audrey II slithers towards the audience threateningly.

Early productions[edit]

1982 Off-Broadway[edit]

Themusicalhad its world premiereoff-off-Broadwayon May 6, 1982, at the Workshop of the Players Art Foundation (WPA Theatre), playing there until June 6, 1982.[3]It openedoff-Broadwayat theOrpheum Theatrein Manhattan'sEast Villageon July 27, 1982. The production, directed by Ashman, with musical staging by Edie Cowan, was critically acclaimed and won several awards including the 1982–1983Drama Desk Awardfor Outstanding Musical, as well as theNew York Drama Critics Circle Awardfor Best Musical and theOuter Critics Circle Award.[4]Howard Ashman wrote, in the introduction to the acting edition of the libretto, that the show "satirizes... science fiction,'B' movies,musical comedy itself, and even theFaustlegend ".[5]In the original WPA cast wereLee Wilkofas Seymour,Ellen Greeneas Audrey,Hy Anzellas Mr. Mushnik,Franc Luzas Orin,Jennifer Leigh Warrenas Crystal, Sheila Kay Davis as Ronette andLeilani Jonesas Chiffon;Ron Taylorwas the voice of Audrey II, andMartin P. Robinsonwas the Audrey II puppeteer, who also designed the puppets.[5]

The production ran for five years. When it closed on November 1, 1987, after 2,209 performances, it was the third-longest running musical[6]and the highest-grossing production in off-Broadway history.[7]Though a Broadway transfer had been proposed for the production, book writer Howard Ashman felt the show belonged where it was.[8]Since it was not produced on Broadway, the original production was ineligible for the 1982Tony Awards.The producers were the WPA Theatre,David Geffen,Cameron Mackintoshand the Shubert Organization.[5]

An original cast recording, released in 1982, omitted the songs "Call Back in the Morning" and the reprise of "Somewhere That's Green", and had abridged versions of "Now (It's Just the Gas)", "Mushnik and Son", and "The Meek Shall Inherit". It also shifted the location of the song "Closed for Renovation," appearing in the show after "Somewhere That's Green" while appearing on the cast album after "Now (It's Just the Gas)" to serve as an upbeat bridge from Orin's death to the Act II love ballad, "Suddenly, Seymour".[9]The recording features Leilani Jones, who originated the role of Chiffon at the WPA and replaced Marlene Danielle two weeks after the musical opened off-Broadway.

1983 West End[edit]

A LondonWest Endproduction opened on October 12, 1983, at theComedy Theatre,produced byCameron Mackintosh.It ran for 813 performances, starringBarry Jamesas Seymour, Greene reprising her role as Audrey andHarry Towbas Mr. Mushnik, withSinitta(then surnamed Renet) understudying Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette.Zeeteah Massiahtook over as Chiffon in 1984. Greene was replaced as Audrey byClaire Moore(1984) thenSarah Payne(1985). Orin was played by Terence Hillyer (1983),David Burt(1984) andBogdan Kominowski(1985).[10]Audrey II was puppeteered byAnthony Asbury,and the costumes were designed byTim Goodchild.[11]It received the 1983Evening Standard Awardfor Best Musical and closed on October 5, 1985.[12][13]

1984 Australia and 1985 Canada[edit]

An Australian production opened at Her Majesty's Theatre, Perth on January 14, 1984, starring Christopher Pate as Seymour and Denise Kirby as Audrey.[14]It then moved to theTheatre Royalin Sydney from November 7, 1984, and theComedy Theatrein Melbourne from February, 1985.[15][16]

A 1985 Canadian production starredSheila McCarthyas Audrey and Michael Crossman as Seymour. Gerry Salsberg was Orin.[17]

Musical numbers[edit]

Casts[edit]

Casts for long-running productions ofLittle Shop of Horrors
Character Off-Broadway West End Broadway US Tour West End revival UK Tour Off-Broadway revival
1982 1983 2003 2004 2007 2009 2019
Seymour Krelborn Lee Wilkof Barry James Hunter Foster Anthony Rapp Paul Keating Damian Humbley Jonathan Groff
Audrey Ellen Greene Kerry Butler Tari Kelly Sheridan Smith Clare Buckfield Tammy Blanchard
Mr. Mushnik Hy Anzell Harry Towb Rob Bartlett Lenny Wolpe Barry James Sylvester McCoy Tom Alan Robbins
Orin Scrivello & Others Franc Luz Terence Hillyer Douglas Sills James Moye Alistair McGowan Alex Ferns Christian Borle
Crystal Jennifer Leigh Warren Dawn Hope Trisha Jeffrey Amina Robinson Melitsa Nicola Cathryn Davis Salome Smith
Ronette Sheila Kay Davis Shezwae Powell Carla J. Hargrove LaTonya Holmes Jenny Fitzpatrick Donna Hines Ari Groover
Chiffon Marlene Danielle Nicola Blackman DeQuina Moore Yasmeen Sulieman Katie Kerr Nadia Di Mambro Joy Woods
Audrey II (voice) Ron Taylor Gary Martin Michael-Leon Wooley Michael James Leslie Mike McShane Clive Rowe Kingsley Leggs
Audrey II (puppeteer) Martin P. Robinson Anthony Asbury Martin P. Robinson
Anthony Asbury
Bill Remington
Matt Vogel 		Paul McGinnis
Marc Petrosino
Michael Latini
Anthony Asbury 		Andy Heath Andy Heath
Brian Herring
Iestyn Evans 		Eric Wright
Teddy Yudain

Notable replacements[edit]

Off-Broadway (1982–87)
West End (1984–85)
Broadway (2003–04)
Off-Broadway (2019– )

Differences between the 1960 film and stage musical[edit]

Further information:The Little Shop of Horrors

The musical is based on the basic concept anddark comictone of the 1960 film, although it changes much of the story. Seymour'shypochondriacalJewish motheris omitted in the musical, and Seymour becomes an orphan in the care of Mushnik. Also dropped is the subplot involving the two investigating police officers. The characters of Mrs. Siddie Shiva and Burson Fouch are also omitted, although Mrs. Shiva is mentioned as being the shop's biggest funeral account. The gleefullymasochisticdental patient, originally played byJack Nicholson,is not in the musical but is in the 1986 film, played byBill Murray.

In the musical, the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello, is killed by suffocation fromlaughing gasinstead of being stabbed with a dental instrument as in the film. His abusive relationship with Audrey is added to the musical to give Seymour a motive to kill him. In the film, Seymour murders several innocent bystanders, and Mushnik tricks a thief into looking for money inside the plant, which eats the thief. In the musical, Seymour tricks Mushnik in the same way when Mushnik plans to turn Seymour over to the police. The two neighborhood girls in the film are replaced in the musical by a chorus of three street urchins:Crystal,ChiffonandRonette,named after (and reminiscent of)girl groupsof the 1960s. The plant is named "Audrey II" in the musical, rather than the film's "Audrey Junior", and instead of being a crossbreed of abutterwortand aVenus Flytrap,in the musical it is a creature fromouter spaceintent on taking over the world.

Perhaps the biggest difference is the ending. The musical ends with Orin, Mushnik, Audrey and Seymour all eaten by the plant, and the three girls report that Audrey II's progeny continues to consume people. In the 1960 film, Mushnik and Audrey survive, and the plant's carnivorous activities are discovered when its flowers bloom with the faces of its victims, including Seymour, imprinted on them. The musical references this ending in its finale, in which the Plant's four victims' faces are seen in its blooming flowers.

The change in ending of the musical contributes to its portrayal of class struggles and moral values. While the 1986 film shows Seymour and Audrey escaping to the dream suburban house, encapsulating ideals of the 1950sAmerican Dream,the musical hints to a metaphorical portrayal of Seymour's greed as the plant.[28]Seymour's greed gradually consumes himself and Audrey. The musical engages with ideas relating to human values in the face of capitalist culture, disempowering those who are enveloped with motivations of personal monetary gain and overlook moral values. It serves as a social commentary of commodity fetishism.[29]

Subsequent productions[edit]

2003 Florida tryout, Broadway and 2004 tour[edit]

In 2003, an $8 million revival ofLittle Shop of Horrorswas planned with the goal of opening onBroadway.A pre-Broadway production debuted at the Miracle Theatre inCoral Gables, Floridaon May 16, 2003. Lee Wilkof, who originated the role of Seymour in 1982, was cast as Mr. Mushnik. The production was directed by Wilkof's wife, Connie Grappo, who was the assistant toHoward Ashmanduring the original production.[8]Martin P. Robinson,who designed the original Audrey II puppets, enlisted fellow puppeteers and builders fromThe Jim Henson Companyto create and operate new puppets for the show, ranging from the smallest plant (operated solely by Robinson) to the largest (requiring three additional puppeteers to fully control).Hunter FosterandAlice Ripleyplayed Seymour and Audrey, andBilly Porterwas the voice of Audrey II.[30]

Critics complained that by expanding the show to fit a larger theatre, its intimacy was lost; they also judged several actors as miscast, although theMiami Heralddeclared that "Alice Ripley's Audrey – part lispingKewpie doll(a la Ellen Greene, who originated the role), part dental punching bag – is heartbreakingly adorable. "[31]In June 2003, the producers announced that the Broadway production was cancelled.[32]Nevertheless, within weeks, they ousted Grappo in favor of veteran Broadway directorJerry Zaks,who fired everyone in the cast, except Foster, and redirected the production from scratch. New casting was announced in July.[33][34]

The musical made its Broadway debut at theVirginia Theatreon October 2, 2003, with Foster as Seymour,Kerry Butleras Audrey,Rob Bartlettas Mr. Mushnik,Douglas Sillsas Orin,Michael-Leon Wooleyas the voice of Audrey II andDeQuina Mooreas Chiffon.[33][34]Although this was the first time it had played on Broadway, the show's success in film and numerous regional productions made it fall under the "Revival" category for the 2003Tony Awards.Foster was nominated for the 2004Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musicalfor his performance. The revival was fairly faithful to the original 1982 production. Changes included the expanded version of the title song heard in the 1986 film, and expanded "You Never Know" with a "WSKID" radio introduction, and a revised Act I Finale and added Entr'acte before "Call Back in the Morning." The orchestrations were beefed up for the bigger theatre to add reeds, trumpets and percussion to the original 5-piece combo.[35][36]

Thecast album,recorded on September 15, 2003, was released on October 21.[37]Demo recordings to five songs ( "A Little Dental Music", "The Worse He Treats Me", "We'll Have Tomorrow", "Bad" and "I Found a Hobby" ) cut during the development process of the musical were included as bonus material for the album.[35][37][38]The production closed on August 22, 2004, after 40 previews and 372 regular performances.[39]The closing Broadway cast includedJoey Fatoneas Seymour.[39]

On August 10, 2004, a U.S. national tour of the Broadway production began, withAnthony Rappstarring as Seymour,Tari Kellyas Audrey,Lenny Wolpeas Mushnik and Michael James Leslie as the voice of Audrey II.[40]The tour closed April 16, 2006 inColumbus, Ohio.[41]

2006 Off-West End, 2007 West End and 2009 UK tour[edit]

An elaborate large model of the Audrey monster resembling a mammoth Venus flytrap devouring a woman whose legs are sticking out of its mouth
Audrey II devours Audrey; 2006–07 London production

A production began previews on November 17, 2006, at theMenier Chocolate Factory,Off West End.This revival, directed by Matthew White, featured a new Audrey II designed by David Farley, resembling thepitcher plant.[42]The production was a critical and commercial success and transferred to theDuke of York's TheatreinLondon's West Endin March 2007. In June 2007, the show transferred to theAmbassadors Theatre,where it ended its run on September 8, 2007.[43]The West End cast featuredPaul Keatingas Seymour,Sheridan Smithas Audrey,Alistair McGowanas Orin, andMike McShaneproviding the voice of Audrey II.[42]Barry James, who portrayed Seymour in the original West End production, was Mr. Mushnik. Smith and McGowan received 2008Laurence Olivier Awardnominations, and the production was nominated for Best Musical Revival.[44]

The production toured the UK in 2009 with a cast includingDamian Humbleyas Seymour,Clare Buckfieldas Audrey,Alex Fernsas Orin,Sylvester McCoyas Mr Mushnik andClive Roweas the voice of Audrey II.[45]

2015 Encores![edit]

A three-performanceEncores!concert staging atNew York City Centeras part of its Off-Center series ran in July 2015. Directed byDick Scanlan,the production starredJake Gyllenhaalas Seymour, and Ellen Greene reprising her role as Audrey.Taran Killamplayed Orin, withTracy Nicole Chapman,Marva Hicksand Ramona Keller as the urchins.Joe Grifasiwas Mr. Mushnik, with Eddie Cooper as the plant. Reviewers praised Greene, Gyllenhaal and the cast in general.[46]Ben Brantleywrote inThe New York Times:"A confluence of alchemical elements was at work, converging in ways that made a perfectly charming but small musical feel like a major event."[47]

2016 Australian Tour[edit]

An Australian tour opened at theHayes TheatreinSydneyon February 22, 2016, before touring to Her Majesty's Theatre,Adelaide;TheComedy Theatre, Melbourne;CanberraTheatre Centre;Queensland Performing Arts Centre,Brisbane,and TheRoslyn Packer Theatre,Sydney. It starred Brent Hill as Seymour,Esther Hannafordas Audrey,Tyler Coppinas Mushnik andScott Johnsonas Orin. Hill also voiced Audrey II. The production was directed by Dean Bryant and choreographed by Andy Hallwsorth[48]The production was nominated for tenSydney Theatre Awards,winning eight, including Best Production of a Musical,[49]and fiveHelpmann Awards,winning none.[50]Cassie Tongue wrote of it inThe Guardian:"Watching this show feels like a discovery, or a reaffirmation; to be reminded why musical theatre matters, to be assured that musicals are a difficult, exhilarating art. And all this from a campy cult classic. What magic."[51]

2016 UK Tour[edit]

A UK tour began on August 4, 2016, directed by Tara Wilkinson, starring Sam Lupton as Seymour, Stephanie Clift as Audrey andRhydian Robertsas Orin.[52]It was booked through November 26, 2016.[53]

2018 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre[edit]

A revival at London'sRegent's Park Open Air Theatre,from August 3 to September 22, 2018, was directed by Maria Aberg, choreographed by Lizzi Gee and designed by Tom Scutt. It starred Marc Antolin as Seymour,Jemima Rooperas Audrey,Forbes Massonas Mr Mushnik,Matt Willisas Orin and American drag performer Vicky Vox as Audrey II.[54][55]The production included the song "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space",written for the1986 film,as an encore number.[56]

2018 and 2019 US revivals[edit]

From October 24 to 28,Little Shopwas performed as a part of the 2018 Broadway Center Stage series at theJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.It starredJosh Radnoras Seymour andMegan Hiltyas Audrey. It also featuredLee Wilkof,the original Seymour, as Mr. Mushnik,Nick Corderoas Orin and Michael James Leslie reprising his role as the voice of Audrey II from Broadway.[57]

An off-Broadway revival at theWestside Theatrebegan previews on September 17, 2019, with an official opening on October 17, 2019. The cast starredJonathan Groffas Seymour,Tammy Blanchardas Audrey,Christian Borleas Orin andTom Alan Robbinsas Mr. Mushnik.Michael Mayerdirected, with choreography by Ellenore Scott. The lighting designer wasBradley King.[58][59]The plant for this production was voiced by Kingsley Leggs. A cast album was released digitally on December 20, 2019.[60]Gideon Glickbegan playing Seymour in early 2020. The production suspended performances on March 11, 2020, because of theCOVID-19 pandemic,[61]and reopened on September 21, 2021, withJeremy Jordanas Seymour; Mayer, Scott, Blanchard, Borle and Robbins returned. The cast album received a physical release on the day of reopening.[62]Some performances were cancelled, due to the pandemic, off and on during December 2021.[63]The revival has gone on to have a long run: later players in the role of Seymour have includedConrad Ricamora,[64]Skylar Astin,[65]Rob McClure,[66]Matt Doyle,[67]Corbin Bleu,Darren Criss,[21]andAndrew Barth Feldman.[22]Drew Gehling,[68]Bryce PinkhamandJames Carpinello[25]have played Orin, and replacements for Mushnik have includedStuart Zagnit,Brad Oscar[69]andStephen DeRosa.[27]Audrey has been played byLena Hall,Maude Apatow,[70]Joy Woods, who originated the role of Chiffon in the revival,[71]Constance Wu,Evan Rachel Wood,[21]drag performerJinkx Monsoonand[25]Sarah Hyland.[22]

Pasadena Playhousestaged a production from September 17 to October 20, 2019, directed by Mike Donahue. The cast includedGeorge Salazaras Seymour,Michaela Jaé Rodriguezas Audrey,Amber Rileyas Audrey II,Kevin Chamberlinas Mr. Mushnik andMatthew Wilkasas Orin.[72][73]

Audrey II puppets[edit]

The character of Audrey II is described as being "An anthropomorphic cross between aVenus flytrapand an avocado. It has a huge, nasty-looking pod that gains a shark-like aspect when open and snapping at food. The creature is played by a series of increasing[ly] large puppets ".[74]

In productions, the first puppet is a small potted plant "less than one foot tall" held by the actor portraying Seymour.[74]He manipulates the plant himself with his hand and then sets it down, where it is moved by an unseen hand from beneath a shelf. The second puppet is slightly larger than the first and is operated by Seymour during the song "You Never Know". A fake arm in a sleeve matching Seymour's jacket is attached to the plant's pot, while the actor's real arm operates the plant. The third puppet sits on the floor and is large enough to hide a person inside, who moves the plant's mouth in sync with Audrey II's voice, which is supplied by an offstage actor on a microphone. The puppeteer's legs are clad in green tights with "leaf" shoes that serve as part of the plant's tendrils. In Act II, the largest puppet again hides an actor inside, who manipulates the puppet's mouth and often some of its branches. By this point, the head is at least six feet long and capable of "swallowing" characters. For the finale, additions can be made to make the plant appear taller and even bigger.[74]Actors and stage hands are often used to move larger branches and roots, which, in the original off-Broadway production, spilled off the stage and into the audience. In some productions, dangling vines over the house enhance the effect of Audrey II menacing the audience.

Amateur productions ofLittle Shop of Horrorsreceive designs for building the puppets fromMTI,as part of the rental scripts and scores, based on the original Martin P. Robinson designs. Some companies who have produced the show in the past and built their own puppets rent them out to other companies to recoup some of their construction costs.[75]

Adaptations[edit]

1986 feature film[edit]

Main article:Little Shop of Horrors (1986 film)

Afilm versionof the musical was made in 1986. Directed byFrank Ozand noted as the only film written byHoward Ashman,it starredRick Moranisas Seymour,Ellen Greeneas Audrey,Vincent Gardeniaas Mr. Mushnik,Steve Martinas Orin Scrivello, DDS, and the voice ofLevi Stubbsas Audrey II.Bill Murrayplayed the small comic role of the masochist, Arthur Denton. The 1986 film follows the plot of the musical closely but omits the songs "Ya Never Know" (rewritten as "Some Fun Now," a trio for Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon), "Mushnik and Son", "Now (It's Just the Gas)", "Sudden Changes," "Closed for Renovation" and "Call Back in the Morning"; thefinal cutending also omits "Finale Ultimo (Don't Feed The Plants)". Other changes include the removal of Mr. Mushnik's adoption proposition and a new ending, in which Seymour is able to save Audrey from Audrey II and then electrocutes the plant after it has destroyed the shop. Seymour and Audrey marry and move to the tract home of her dreams, but a small Audrey II-type bud is seen in their garden, which portends a possible spread of the alien plants. An ending more faithful to the stage version was filmed, in which the plant eats Audrey and Seymour and then, having grown to massive size and reproduced, goes on aKing Kong-style rampage through New York City. It was received poorly by test audiences, and the upbeat alternate ending was used for the theatrical cut. In October 2012, the original ending was restored and released with the film as "The Director's Cut" on DVD and Blu-ray. A new song for Audrey II, "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space", was nominated for anAcademy Awardfor Best Original Song.

Cancelled film remake[edit]

Development of a feature film remake was announced in 2016, withGreg Berlantidirecting andMatthew Robinsonpenning the screenplay. Berlanti,David GeffenandMarc Plattwere set to serve as producers.[76]By 2020,Taron Egerton,Chris EvansandScarlett Johanssonhad entered into negotiations to star as Seymour, Orin and Audrey, respectively, whileBilly Porterwas cast in the role of Audrey II.[77][78]In September 2022, Egerton stated that the film was "dormant" due to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic.[79]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Award nominations for the original off-Broadway production
Year Award Category Nominee Result
1983 Drama Desk Awards[80] Outstanding Musical Won
Outstanding Actress a Musical Ellen Greene Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor a Musical Franc Luz Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Howard Ashman Nominated
Outstanding Music Alan Menken Nominated
Outstanding Lyrics Howard Ashman Won
Outer Critics Circle Awards[81] Best Off-Broadway Musical Won
Best Score Alan Menken and Howard Ashman Won
New York Drama Critics' Circle Award[82] Best Musical Won
1984 Grammy Awards[83] Best Musical Theater Album Nominated
Award nominations for the original West End production
Year Award Category Nominee Result
1983 Laurence Olivier Awards[84] Musical of the Year Nominated
Actress of the Year in a Musical Ellen Greene Nominated
Award nominations for the original Broadway production
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2004 Tony Awards[85] Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Hunter Foster Nominated
Drama Desk Awards[85] Outstanding Actor in a Musical Hunter Foster Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards[86] Outstanding Revival of a Musical Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Hunter Foster Nominated
Outstanding Actress in a Musical Kerry Butler Nominated
Award nominations for the 2007 West End revival
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2008 Laurence Olivier Awards[44] Best Musical Revival Nominated
Actress of the Year in a Musical Sheridan Smith Nominated
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical Alistair McGowan Nominated
Award nominations for the 2018 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2019 Laurence Olivier Awards[87] Actor of the Year in a Musical Marc Antolin Nominated
Award nominations for the 2019 off-Broadway revival
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2020 Lucille Lortel Awards[88] Outstanding Revival Nominated
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical Jonathan Groff Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Christian Borle Won
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Ari Groover Nominated
Drama Desk Awards[89] Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won
Outstanding Actress a Musical Tammy Blanchard Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor a Musical Christian Borle Won
Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical Julian Crouch Nominated
Drama League Awards[90] Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Won
Distinguished Performance Award Christian Borle Nominated
Jonathan Groff Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards[91] Outstanding Revival of a Musical Honoree
Outstanding Director of a Musical Michael Mayer Honoree
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Jonathan Groff Honoree
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Christian Borle Honoree
Grammy Awards[92] Best Musical Theater Album Nominated

Notes[edit]

  1. ^Higgins, Jim."Skylight Music Theatre revamps 2020-'21 season, plans small-cast shows for limited-capacity audiences",Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,August 31, 2020
  2. ^TIME magazinereported in its May 26, 2008 issue, p. 51, that this musical ranked as the most frequently produced musical by U.S. high schools in 2007.
  3. ^"Theater:Little Shop of Horrors"Archived2015-02-09 at theWayback Machine,Howard Ashman website, accessed April 21, 2014
  4. ^"Lortel Archive forLittle Shop of Horrors".Lortel Archives.Archived fromthe originalon 2007-06-08.Retrieved2008-07-30.
  5. ^abcAshman, Howard. Introductory notes,Little Shop of Horrorsacting edition (1982)
  6. ^Sedore, Clair."Long Runs in the Theatre"Archived2010-04-02 at theWayback Machine,World-theatres.com. Retrieved on April 20, 2008.
  7. ^Gordon, James."Plymouth-Whitemarsh: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’",philly.com, 30 March 2009, Accessed 13 August 2009
  8. ^abPogrebin, Robin(2003-10-20)."The Show That Ate the Original Cast".The New York Times.Retrieved2008-07-30.
  9. ^castalbumscollector.com listing
  10. ^"Production of Little Shop of Horrors | Theatricalia".theatricalia.com.RetrievedApril 18,2020.
  11. ^"Little Shop of Horrors the musical on stage in London through to 22 September 2018".www.thisistheatre.com.RetrievedApril 18,2020.
  12. ^Lewis, David."Little Shop of Horrors",The Guide to Musical Theatre
  13. ^"History and Awards"ArchivedJune 10, 2010, at theWayback Machine,Lyric Opera musicals site
  14. ^"Museum of Performing Arts WA".www.mopa.ptt.wa.gov.au.Retrieved2020-06-18.
  15. ^"AusStage - Little Shop of Horrors".www.ausstage.edu.au.Retrieved2019-04-26.
  16. ^Radic, Leonard (February 28, 1985)."Plant steals the show".The Age.RetrievedApril 27,2019.
  17. ^Czarnecki, Mark."The plant that ate New York",Maclean's,July 1, 1985, accessed May 23, 2020
  18. ^Feinberg, Scott."Fyvush Finkel, Beloved Character Actor, Looks Back on a Career That Defied the Odds",The Hollywood Reporter,October 6, 2013
  19. ^Somerville, Matthew."Little Shop of Horrors",Theatricalia.com. Retrieved 24 October 2022
  20. ^abHall, Margaret."Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu Join Off-Broadway'sLittle Shop of HorrorsSeptember 26 ",Playbill,September 26, 2023
  21. ^abcdGans, Andrew; Harms, Talaura."Evan Rachel Wood and Darren Criss Join Off-Broadway'sLittle Shop of HorrorsJanuary 30 ",Playbill,January 30, 2024
  22. ^abcdGans, Andrew.Photos: Get a 1st Look at Andrew Barth Feldman, Sarah Hyland, More in Off-Broadway'sLittle Shop of Horrors,Playbill, May 30, 2024
  23. ^Rabinowitz, Chloe (July 27, 2022)."Lena Hall to Play Audrey inLittle Shop of HorrorsBeginning in September ".Broadway World.RetrievedAugust 18,2022.
  24. ^Gans, Andrew."Maude Apatow Will Make NYC Stage Debut in Off-Broadway'sLittle Shop of Horrors",Playbill,January 13, 2023
  25. ^abcdHiggins, Molly.Andrew Barth Feldman, Sarah Hyland to Join Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway,Playbill,May 3, 2024
  26. ^Gans, Andrew."Check Out Photos of Skid Row's Latest Denizens as Joy Woods Joins Matt Doyle and More inLittle Shop of Horrors",Playbill,May 4, 2023
  27. ^abGomez, Patrick."'Suddenly Seymour!' See an exclusive first look at Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood inLittle Shop of Horrors",Entertainment Weekly,February 6, 2024
  28. ^Jensen, Marc. "Feed me!: Power struggles and the portrayal of race inLittle Shop of Horrors",Cinema Journal48, no. 1 (2008): 51–67
  29. ^Leigh, Mary K., and Kevin K. Durand, eds. Marxism and the Movies: Critical Essays on Class Struggle in the Cinema. McFarland, 2013
  30. ^Gans, Andrew (2003-05-16)."Florida Engagement ofLittle Shop of HorrorsOpens May 16 ".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  31. ^"Did FL Critics Eat Up B'way-BoundLittle Shop?".Broadway.com.2003-05-20.Retrieved2008-07-30.
  32. ^Simonson, Robert(2003-06-02)."Little Shop of HorrorsCancels Broadway Engagement ".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  33. ^abGans, Andrew (2003-07-14)."Complete Casting Announced for Broadway'sLittle Shop of Horrors".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  34. ^abGans, Andrew (2003-08-13)."Little Shop of HorrorsCast Previews Broadway Revival ".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  35. ^abSuskin, Steven (2003-11-16)."On the Record:Little Shop,AlbertineandZanna".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  36. ^Finn, Robin (2003-10-14)."Public Lives; A Hot, Sweaty Job in a Plant, Eating People".The New York Times.Retrieved2008-07-30.
  37. ^abJones, Kenneth (2003-09-03)."Little ShopCast Album Due Oct. 21, With Bonus Tracks ".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  38. ^Phares, Heather."Little Shop of Horrors (New Broadway Cast Recording)",Allmusic.com, accessed June 13, 2014
  39. ^abGans, Andrew (2004-08-22)."Broadway'sLittle Shop of HorrorsCloses Its Doors Aug. 22 ".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  40. ^Hernandez, Ernio and Andrew Gans."Anthony Rapp is Suddenly Seymour asLittle Shop of HorrorsStarts in Los Angeles, Aug. 24 ",Playbill,August 24, 2004, accessed October 11, 2016
  41. ^"Show History".Music Theatre International.Retrieved2022-03-17.
  42. ^abNathan, John (2007-08-16)."London'sLittle Shop of Horrorsto Close in September ".Playbill.Retrieved2 January2022.
  43. ^"Little Shop of Horrors",This Is Theatre,10 November 2008
  44. ^ab"Olivier awards 2008: nominations in full".The Guardian.2008-02-07.Archivedfrom the original on 2023-02-23.
  45. ^Connor, Sheila."Little Shop of Horrors",British Theatre Guide, 2009
  46. ^Viagas, Robert."The Verdict. Reviews for Encores!Little Shop of Horrors",Playbill.com, July 2, 2015
  47. ^Brantley, Ben."Review: Jake Gyllenhaal Sings inLittle Shop of Horrors",The New York Times,July 2, 2015
  48. ^Official Australian tour website,LittleShopTour.com.au, accessed August 24, 2017
  49. ^"2016 – Nominations and Winners",Sydney Theatre Awards, accessed August 24, 2017
  50. ^"Past nominees and winners: 2016",HelpmannAwards.com, accessed 27 August 2017
  51. ^Tongue, Cassie."Little Shop of Horrorsreview – black comedy triumph thrusts cult classic into contemporary Australia ",The Guardian,February 24, 2016
  52. ^Hewis, Ben."In rehearsals with Rhydian and the cast ofLittle Shop of Horrors",Whatsonstage.com, 29 July 2016; and Hewis, Ben."Review:Little Shop of Horrors(New Wimbledon Theatre) ",Whatsonstage.com, 24 August 2016, accessed May 31, 2019
  53. ^Little Shop of Horrors,LittleshopUKtour.com, accessed September 16, 2016
  54. ^Little Shop of Horrors,OpenAirTheatre.com, accessed April 19, 2018
  55. ^"Jemima Rooper, Marc Antolin and Matt Willis cast in Little Shop of Horrors at Regent's Park".The Stage.April 26, 2018.RetrievedMay 14,2018.
  56. ^Cavendish, Dominic."Little Shop of Horrors, Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park review: a bellyful of fun but not enough bite",The Telegraph,August 12, 2018
  57. ^Gans, Andrew."Megan Hilty and Josh Radnor Star in Kennedy Center Little Shop of Horrors Beginning October 24",Playbill,October 24, 2018
  58. ^McPhee, Ryan (July 22, 2019)."Jonathan Groff, Tammy Blanchard, Christian Borle to HeadlineLittle Shop of HorrorsRevival ".Playbill.RetrievedJuly 22,2019.
  59. ^Clement, Olivia (September 17, 2019)."Little Shop of HorrorsReturns Off-Broadway Starring Jonathan Groff, Tammy Blanchard, Christian Borle ".Playbill.
  60. ^Meyer, Dan (December 20, 2019)."Little Shop of HorrorsOff-Broadway Cast Album With Jonathan Groff, Christian Borle, and Tammy Blanchard Now Available ".Playbill.RetrievedOctober 19,2021.
  61. ^Clement, Olivia."MTC Cancels Spring Offerings, NYTW Postpones Three Sisters, and More—How NYC's Coronavirus Restrictions Impacts Off-Broadway Houses",Playbill,March 23, 2020
  62. ^Gans, Andrew."Little Shop of HorrorsRevival, Starring Jeremy Jordan, Reopens Off-Broadway September 21 ",Playbill,September 21, 2021
  63. ^Diamond, Robert."Little Shop of HorrorsCancels Saturday 12/18 Performance ",BroadwayWorld.com, December 18, 2021
  64. ^Gans, Andrew."Conrad Ricamora Joins Cast of Off-Broadway'sLittle Shop of HorrorsJanuary 11 ",Playbill,January 11, 2022
  65. ^Gans, Andrew (April 11, 2022)."Spring Awakening's Skylar Astin Will Be Seymour in Off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors".Playbill.com.RetrievedJune 10,2022.
  66. ^Evans, Greg (2022-06-09)."Suddenly Seymour: Rob McClure To Star Off Broadway In 'Little Shop Of Horrors'; Skylar Astin Departs For New CBS Series".Deadline.Retrieved2022-06-10.
  67. ^Rabinowitz, Chloe (October 26, 2022)."Matt Doyle to JoinLittle Shop of Horrorsas 'Seymour' in November ".BroadwayWorld.
  68. ^Culwell-Block, Logan and Andrew Gans."Drew Gehling is Off-Broadway Little Shop of Horrors' Next Dentist",Playbill,March 6, 2023
  69. ^Russo, Gillian."Tony nominees Brad Oscar, Bryce Pinkham joinLittle Shop of Horrors",New York Theatre Guide, April 20, 2023
  70. ^Gans, Andrew (February 7, 2023)."And Then There's Maude: Maude Apatow Is Audrey in Off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors Starting February 7".
  71. ^Gans, Andrew."Joy Woods Will Return to Skid Row as Audrey in Off-Broadway'sLittle Shop of Horrors,Playbill,April 4, 2023
  72. ^"Little Shop of Horrors".Pasadena Playhouse.RetrievedOctober 8,2019.
  73. ^"Review: 'Little Shop of Horrors' at Pasadena Playhouse finds humanity amid the musical camp".Los Angeles Times.September 27, 2019.RetrievedOctober 8,2019.
  74. ^abcMusic Theatre International.""Little Shop of Horrors", Casting – Character Breakdown ".Retrieved25 December2008.
  75. ^See, for example,"Audrey II Rental".Prattsburgh Central School.Archived fromthe originalon September 23, 2008.
  76. ^Warner Bros & Greg Berlanti Grow ‘Little Shop Of Horrors’ Revamp
  77. ^D'Alessandro, Anthony.Chris Evans in Early Talks to Play Dentist Orin Scrivello InLittle Shop of Horrors,Deadline. Retrieved October 12, 2022
  78. ^Chris Evans in Talks to Star in Greg Berlanti's 'Little Shop of Horrors' (Exclusive)
  79. ^Hegarty, Tasha (September 4, 2022)."Kingsman's Taron Egerton confirms Little Shop of Horrors remake has been cancelled".Digital Spy.Retrieved12 October2022.
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  81. ^"1982-1983 Outer Critics Circle Awards".Archived fromthe originalon March 24, 2019.RetrievedMay 12,2020.
  82. ^"New York Drama Critics' Circle Past Awards".RetrievedMay 12,2020.
  83. ^"26th Annual Grammy Awards".grammy.com.Retrieved22 December2020.
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References[edit]

  • Ganzl, Kurt.The Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre:2nd Edition. Schirmer Books, 2001
  • Kennedy P., Michael & John Muir.Musicals.HarperCollins Publishers, 1997.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Little_Shop_of_Horrors_(musical)&oldid=1232833272"