Weird and Good! That’s how my husband and I would describe Little Shop of Horrors presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. That description may be a little too over simplified. When the plot involves a talking plant that thirst for human blood…that’s definitely a little weird, but the good came in SO many forms during the play.
The upbeat music will put a smile on your face and transport you to the era of Motown with powerhouse vocals. The songs were really comical and literally made me laugh out loud, which can be very hard to do!
Each character really brought so much to the production. Semour (played by Nick Cearley) and Audrey (played by Gina Milo) do a wonderful job portraying such likable, sweet characters with beautiful vocals.
Also be on the lookout for Jamison Stern, who plays the dentist/bad boyfriend of Audrey and also demonstrates his diverse acting skills through multiple roles throughout the play. The puppeteers did an incredible job of bringing Audrey II to life in all of it’s various shapes and sizes with laughs from the audience in each scene!
Plot
Not your typical boy-meets-girl comedy, Little Shop of Horrors is a hilarious musical that’s literally out of this world. On Skid Row, Seymour is your average, nerdy, down-on-his-luck floral assistant. That all changes when he meets a power-hungry, fast-talking plant who vows to fulfill Seymour’s wildest dreams: fame, fortune and the heart of the girl he loves. There’s just one catch. The plant thirsts for human blood, and its growing pains send Seymour down a diabolical path with murderous consequences. With an infectious score that gleefully combines rock, Motown and Broadway, Little Shop of Horrors ensures you’ll be toe-tapping along to this screamingly funny, joyously entertaining, tongue-in-cheek delight.
The New York Times called the musical, “Exuberant … leaves the audience ravenous for more.” Based on Roger Corman’s 1960 cult film classic, Little Shop of Horrors was adapted for the stage by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken in 1982. It is one of the longest-running off-Broadway musicals in history.
In addition to Little Shop of Horrors’ hilarious storyline, audiences will enjoy the songs, written by Ashman and Menken — best known for their songs in popular Disney films, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
“The true theatrical roots of Little Shop of Horrors are thrillingly and smartly ancient,” explains Fennelly. “Complete with a girl-group spin on a Greek Chorus, it is really a morality play for a modern audience. The story weaves together thematic threads of a subverted hero’s journey with elements of traditional Faustian legend: a man who sells his soul to the devil to gain power, wealth and love. Roger Corman, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken have all contributed to the creation of an enduring story that delightfully employs the timeless tools of humor, horror and satire to hold up a mirror to all of us.”
You don’t want to miss this play!
Little Shop of Horrors will be playing at Playhouse in the Park
Jan. 21 through Feb. 19.
TICKETS
Prices for Little Shop of Horrors start at $35 for preview performances and $40 for regular performances; they vary depending on seat location and performance day and are subject to change.
Tickets for children, teens and students are $30 or $45 depending on seat location.
Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show.
Plus, Sunday is College Night, with tickets to all 7 p.m. performances just $10.
In addition to calling the Box Office, tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
VEGETARIAN DINNER: Patrons can join us before Thursday evening performances of Little Shop of Horrors for a special vegetarian dinner on Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9 and Feb. 16, 2017. The tastings start at 6 p.m. They are catered by Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts, and cost $32 per person. Patrons must call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 in advance to attend.
ADVISORY
Little Shop of Horrors is appropriate for adults and young people ages 11 and up. The show is a hysterical musical favorite containing just mild adult language and campy violence.
BOX OFFICE
513-421-3888 or 800-582-3208 toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana; or 513-345-2248 – TDD access (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).
Images provided by Playhouse in the Park with photo credit to Mikki Schaeffner.
I received tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
