After running for a month at the Workshop of the Players Foundation Off-Off-Broadway, "Little Shop of Horrors" by future Disney legends Alan Menken and Howard Ashman had its Off-Broadway premiere in 1982 where it had a successful five-year run. Like something out of a fairy tale, the critically acclaimed musical went on to be produced in the West End, on Broadway and on tour both domestically and internationally. History has repeated itself, as the horror comedy rock returned to the Off-Broadway stage in 2019 and has been making audiences laugh and scream ever since.
Having won two Drama Desk Awards and four Outer Critics Circle Awards, this succulent revival has undoubtedly blossomed into something beyond anyone's imagination. So, without further ado, let's go "downtown" and count down our top froggy four reasons why you should see "Little Shop of Horrors" Off-Broadway!
1. A production that stays true to the show's roots
There's nothing like the intimacy of an Off-Broadway theater. It's where "Little Shop of Horrors" first terrified audiences over 40 years ago and it's where Seymour's prized plant is luring new victims today. During the original run, Howard Ashman was offered a Broadway transfer and he famously declined — emphasizing the importance of a smaller-scale production. Director Michael Mayer has beautifully honored Ashman's legacy. With a house size of only 270 seats, there's truly nowhere left to run and certainly nowhere left to hide ... which becomes pretty clear during the show's final moments with an effect that hasn't been replicated since the show's original production.
2. A revolving door of tasty stars
No matter when you visit Skid Row, you're sure to see some familiar faces. While the revival opened in 2019 with Jonathan Groff as Seymour, Tammy Blanchard as Audrey and Christian Borle as Dr. Orin Scrivello D.D.S, plenty more noticeable names have graced the Westside Theatre Stage. Over the course of the show's run, Jeremy Jordan, Skylar Astin, Corbin Bleu and Darren Criss have all donned the glasses as Seymour; Maude Apatow, Constance Wu, Evan Rachel Wood and Jinkx Monsoon have all taken turns as the lovely Audrey; and the likes of Bryce Pinkham ("A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder") and Drew Gehling ("Waitress") have rocked the leather jacket as Orin.
We're so hoppy to share that some new blood will join the cast soon! Beginning May 28, 2024, run over to Mushnik's Flower Shop to see Andrew Barth Feldman ("Dear Evan Hansen") as Seymour and Sarah Hyland ("Modern Family") as Audrey.
3. A positively petrifying puppet
While many stars have come through the doors of Mushnik's Flower Shop, one intergalactic entity unquestionably towers above the rest. Audrey II is the extraterrestrial terror that enters Seymour's depressing life, promising him fame, fortune and love. However, like any Faustian bargain, it comes at a gruesome cost. Audrey and Seymour may be the heart and soul of "Little Shop of Horrors," but Twoey is the teeth — stealing the show as she grows bigger and more menacing from scene to scene. Masterfully brought to life by three different performers during any given show, the progressively overgrown puppets designed by Nicholas Mahon and built by Monkey Boys Productions are truly a sight to behold.
4. Thought-provoking themes and hilarious hijinks
It's a tale as old as time: Deals with the devil never end well. In pursuit of his happily ever after, Seymour learns this lesson the hard way as his hands get increasingly more bloody and his hunger begins to rival that of his insatiable shrubbery. Beyond the gore and carnage, however, lies a hilarious homage to sci-fi, B-movies and the genre of the musical comedy itself. There's no shortage of belly laughs in this silly, sanguine, succulent show that never bites off more than it can chew.
"Little Shop of Horrors" Broadway Tickets
Are you ready to go "somewhere that's green"? Then get your tickets "now" to this zany and remarkable revival through Undercover Tourist and save up to $10 on seats. (Disclaimer: no seat is safe from Twoey's twisted tendrils.) Check out our Westside Theatre Upstairs page for a full list of dates and times.
It's "suppertime!" Are you planning to see "Little Shop of Horrors" Off-Broadway? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Undercover Tourist Is Now Offering Discount Theater Tickets — Including Broadway Shows!
