Little Shop of Horrors: Feeding the need

Springfield Little Theatre (SLT) is feeding the need for musical hilarity with Little Shop of Horrors. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, the black comedy is a delicious musical that has devoured the hearts of theatregoers all over the world. SLT brings it to their Landers Theatre stage May 20 through June 5.

When meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant, he discovers the plant has bigger needs than plant food. In this classic Faustian conflict, Seymour has a decision to make. Does he keep feeding the plant in exchange for unending fame, fortune and the girl of his dreams … or not?

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That's Green, and Suddenly Seymour.

The musical premiered Off-Off-Broadway in 1982 before moving to the Orpheum Theatre Off-Broadway, where it had a five-year run. It later received numerous productions in the U.S. and abroad, and a subsequent Broadway production. Because of its small cast and relatively simple orchestrations, it has become popular with community theatre, school and other amateur groups. The musical was also made into a 1986 film of the same name, directed by Frank Oz.

The SLT production of Little Shop of Horrors opens May 20 at the historic Landers Theatre and runs through June 5. Tickets are $28 to $35, with discounted tickets available to seniors, students, military and children age 14 and under. Tickets may be purchased online at www.springfieldlittletheatre.org, by phone at (417) 869-1334, or in person at the box office, 311 E. Walnut St, in Springfield.

SLT offers a “Backstage Pass” program for Little Shop on Sunday, May 22. The pass costs $8 in addition to the ticket price, and includes a guided backstage tour of the theatre, a production poster and a photo opportunity with the cast. Pre-registration is required at the time of ticket purchase.

The Gayly – May 15, 2016 @ 11:35 a.m.