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[title]There are certain shows that stand the test of musical theater time, inspiring audiences to return year after year to laugh, cry and get totally freaked out. In that final category, the widely beloved musical Little Shop of Horrors belongs to a plant-store-sized category of its own. The show has delighted (and provoked lifelong fears of horticulture) since its debut. It is now in its sixth succulent year at Off-Broadway’s Westside Theatre, which promises an up-close view to the blood-soaked chaos of one very, very dangerous plant.
Celebrated as the best musical revival of the decade, Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour, a sweet but downtrodden florist’s assistant whose life is changed when he discovers a strange plant he names Audrey II. After a lifetime of yearning for more than what the lonely little shop on Skid Row has to offer, Audrey II brings Seymour sudden fame and fortune. It also harbors a secret—instead of water, it can only bloom from human blood. As Audrey II grows, chaos ensues in this delightfully scary tale of love and ambition gone terribly wrong.
With a score that is a musical theater masterclass from the EGOT-winning duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, soaring performances from three-time Tony-nominee Sherie Rene Scott and recent Hamilton star Nicholas Christopher, Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect holiday treat for (almost) everyone on your list. Plus, with tickets starting at $58, it’s a steal for an evening of, literally, killer entertainment. There are multiple reasons why it's one of the longest-running Off-Broadway productions (because it's funny, sweet and full of banging songs). Here are five more delicious reasons to see Little Shop of Horrors this holiday season.
Songs that will take root in your brain
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Seymour or introducing the next generation to this legendary score, Little Shop of Horrors has some of the most iconic songs in theater history. Here, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman—the musical minds behind Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin—are at their most unfettered and inventive selves. The duo blends rock and roll, pop ballads and R&B with lyrics that will burrow into your soul (much like a certain plant). We promise they will deliver that sign of a musical classic: humming the songs on your way home.
A thrillingly intimate venue
Don’t let the “off” in Off-Broadway fool you. The term simply describes venues that hold a smaller number of people than theaters on the Great White Way—which means at the Westside Theatre, you’ll practically be in the shop with Seymour. (Don’t worry, though, he cleans up all of the blood.) Plus, this intimate venue is the perfect home for Little Shop of Horrors, which first premiered off-Broadway in 1982. There are truly no bad seats, which means every maniacal chuckle from Audrey II will land dangerously close—no matter where you’re sitting.
Broadway legends that bring the drama (and laughs)
Those incredible seats don’t just offer a perfect view of Audrey II, they put you up-close-and-personal with some of the best talent in musical theater. This includes Sherie Rene Scott, who is best known for her star turns in Aida and The Last Five Years, as well as Nicholas Christopher, who’s fresh off another killer role in Sweeney Todd. There is also an abundance of phenomenal supporting characters—from the hilariously evil Orin the Dentist to the “street-urchin” trio of Ronette, Chiffon and Crystal—whose vocals fill out the scarily compelling chorus.
A Delightfully Obsessive Love Story
Audrey II isn’t just any bloodthirsty plant—it’s named after Seymour’s coworker and crush, Audrey, whose sweetness and strength are matched only by her terrible taste in men. As Seymour’s success grows, so does his affection for Audrey, leading to a tender and complicated love story that will resonate for the starry-eyed romantics in the crowd. Will they find happiness amidst Audrey II’s chaos or will the plant’s monstrous appetite destroy everything around them? Let’s just say you’ll laugh, cry and maybe even Google “how to say goodbye to your venus flytrap” or “is it really safe to kiss under the mistletoe?”
Ready to tend to your scary side this holiday season? Follow @littleshopnyc for updates and snag your tickets from $58…before Audrey II gets hungry.