The Muny’s “Little Shop of Horrors” is a killer!

By Joanne Fistere

The musical “Little Shop of Horrors”, loosely based on the Roger Corman 1960 horror comedy film, premiered Off Broadway in 1983 winning a Drama Desk Award for Best Musical. It didn’t make it to Broadway until 2003, after a 1986 film remake with Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. The comedy rock musical, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and book by Howard Ashman, follows a hapless florist shop worker, Seymour Krelborn, who stumbles across a new breed of plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. He names the plant “Audrey II” after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore plant promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it BLOOD. There is a trio of street urchins that narrate throughout ala Greek Chorus crossed with a 1960’s girl group.

The Muny’s production of “Little Shop” has just the right kitsch this cult classic is meant to have. Kristin Robinson’s scenic designs put us in skid row nicely, and adds all the layers of Audrey II’s success to the flower store seamlessly. The puppet design by James Ortiz is especially spectacular in the finale. The puppet pairing of Travis Patton, manipulation, and Nicholas Ward, voice of Audrey II, steal the show in their movement, singing and overall stage presence.

Robin de Jesús as Seymour and Patti Murin as Audrey pair effectively as our star-crossed romantics. Ms. Murin is especially compelling with her solo “Somewhere That’s Green”. The street urchins, Kennedy Holmes, Taylor Marie Daniel, and Stephanie Gomérez, set the tone at the top of the show brilliantly and carry it through the entire evening.

Act two is not quite as crisp as act one but is still a lot of fun. Ryan Vasquez shines playing multiple roles in the second act after his portrayal of the sadistic dentist Orin in act one was pretty much one note. Michael McGrath as Mr. Mushnik is somewhat unremarkable throughout, Tony award notwithstanding. What makes act two really worthwhile is the finale so make sure you stick around for that; you won’t be sorry!

There isn’t any deep meaning to be found in “Little Shop”. But I believe it’s meant to be a fun distraction like most good comedy horror movies. All in all “Little Shop Of Horrors” at the Muny is a delightful night out of goofiness with a mostly well rounded cast. A very special shout out to local success Kennedy Holmes as Crystal, one of the urchins, who is stunning in this production. Members of the youth ensemble are all very talented as well and I hope to see many of them in lead roles on the Muny stage in the not-too-distant future.

“Little Shop of Horrors” at The Muny runs through July 31st. For tickets and information visit The Muny website.