“Little Shop of Horrors” is a smorgasbord of genres. It is sci-fi, drama, horror, romance and comedy supported by rousing classic pop rock music.
Mushnik’s Flower Shop is on its last legs when Seymour, a store employee, finds an unusual plant he thinks will draw shoppers into the store. Although the plant is carnivorous, soon shoppers overrun the store to see it and, of course, buy lots of flowers and plants. Seymour names the plant Audrey 2, after the young lady who works in the store, and on whom he has a secret crush. Things are great initially, but then they go horribly wrong.
Little Shop of Horrors started as a film in 1960 and was adapted into a stage musical in the 80s. The film was remade in 1986 and included such stars as Rick Moranis, Ellen Green, Steve Martin., John Candy and Bill Murray, among others. After attending opening night at Music theater Works, I was curious to match this production up against the $25 million dollar hit movie. The movie owns a 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating. I compared the acting, singing, the storyline and any special treatments. Here are some of my observations and opinions and why you should go see this stage version.
- Seymour was played by Jimmy Hogan. He was a better actor and singer than the film’s Rick Moranis.
- Audrey was played by Kayla Shipman and was a better singer and more charming than the film’s Ellen Green.
- Mushnik was played by Thomas M Shea and was just as good as his film counterpart.
- Kiana Beverly, China Orr, and Michaela Dukes played the 60’s style girl group singers. They sang better and moved just as well as their film counterparts.
- I must admit that Steve Martin, as the evil dentist in the film, was terrific.
Linda Madonia, the stage-play musical director, outscored the movie soundtrack with its modern orchestration and enthusiastic interpretation. A big thumbs up also for Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan who put the whole thing together.
The most interesting difference in this stage musical versus the film, was the story ending. The film, typical in the day, had a storybook ending… as Seymour and Audrey “rode off into the sunset”. Without any detailed disclosure/spoiler, the stage version had a wonderful dark comedic ending.
Music Theater Work’s “Little Shop of Horrors” plays at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL through Nov. 17th. This production is highly recommended. For more information on this and other productions go to: www.musictheaterworks.com