“The Little Shop of Horrors”

by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken

  The Theatre 8 Christmas Dinner show for 2006

Directed by Mark Jones

Synopsis:

A down-and out Skid Row floral assistant (Seymour) becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Naming it Audrey II (after Audrey, the other shop assistant and Seymour’s secret heart throb) the PLANT soon grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite.  In the final scene it finally reveals itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway musicals of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the song writing team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty And The Beast” and “Aladdin.”) The score is in the style of 1960’s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown.  It’s charming, tuneful and hilarious. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, “Little Shop Of Horrors” never fails to entertain.

CHARACTERS 

Seymour: Mark Jones. Our insecure, put-upon, florist’s- clerk HERO. 

Audrey:  Leanne Spiers. Late 20s to 30s.  Seymour’s co-worker and the bleached-blond, Marilyn Monroe-like, secret love of his life.

Orin:  Michael McGillivray, tall dark, handsome dentist with a black leather jacket and sadistic tendencies.  Sings 2 songs.  Solo and duet.  American accent.  Needs to exude charisma.

Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon:  3 female street-urchins in their early 20s. Natalie Taylor, Trina Faint & Rachel Perks. They function as participants in the action and as a Greek Chorus commenting on the action. Must sing close harmony like the Supremes (eg; Doo –wop). 

Voice of the Plant (Audrey 2):  Pat Miles. A cross between a Venus fly trap and a warty avocado.  It has a huge nasty looking pod which gains a shark-like aspect when open and snapping at food.  The creature is played by a series of puppets that get bigger and bigger with each scene (1foot – 9 feet).  Its voice (from an off-stage mic.) is deep and sings hot funky Blues. 

Mr Mushnik:  Hamish Darby. The 50+ owner of the flower shop that Seymour and Audrey work at. 

Small Chorus:  Mark Long. Various street characters and minor speaking / singing parts (singing solo within songs).  Any age.  3 women and 2 men.  American accents. 

 Puppeteer:  Josh Boyle