Little Shop of Horrors, the sci-fi musical comedy about a down and out skid row florist who becomes an overnight sensation, runs for three weeks from March 8 to 26 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
One of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a cult classic, thanks to the highly successful 1986 film starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. But it’s the score that really put this macabre musical on the map.
The book and lyrics are by song-writing team Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who composed the now-famous music for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin – yet Little Shop of Horrors is widely considered to be their masterpiece. The captivating music, composed in the style of 60s doo-wop and early motown, has several show-stoppers, including Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That’s Green, and Suddenly Seymour. Chock full of amazing harmonies, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and a bizarre yet uproarious story, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of audiences worldwide for over 30 years.
“Don’t let the name fool you, Little Shop of Horrors is packed with energetic music, quirky characters and lots of laughs,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment, in a press release. “Audiences will be screaming with laughter and singing all the way out of the theatre.”
Mushnik’s skid row flower shop is just as its name implies – a total dump. The owner’s nerdy assistant, Seymour Krelborn, is nothing more than a total failure as a florist and the scapegoat for lousy business. Completing this trio of hopeless slum residents is Audrey, a Marilyn Monroe-esque leading lady, who is caught in a terrible relationship with an eccentric dentist.
It seems that all would be kaput for these three, until Seymour reveals a strange and interesting new plant that he’s been trying to nurse to health. Things begin to look up when, after placing this plant in the window, business miraculously booms. Seymour is now under pressure to get the plant healthy – but what to feed it?
Mike Jackson, who helmed last season’s acclaimed production of Chicago, directs and choreographs. Jackson is joined by music director Michael Barber, set designer Samantha Burson costume designer Ivan Brozic, and lighting designer Kevin Fraser.
Officials say a terrific cast has been assembled for this fun-filled production, including Drayton Entertainment newcomer Ken James Stewart as Seymour Krelborn. Stewart has appeared in musicals all across Canada, most notably as Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown in 2012 in Stratford.
Jayme Armstrong steps into the high heels of Audrey, Seymour’s secret love, who works with him at Mushnik’s Flower Shop. Armstrong has appeared in numerous Drayton Entertainment productions, most recently Chicago, The Music Man, and White Christmas.
Tickets may be purchased at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
