Little Shop of Horrors at People’s Light

“Little Shop of Horrors” is defined as a horror, comedy, rock musical when I Googled it. The original movie opened in 1960. Then, it was turned into a musical which opened off-off Broadway in 1982 before it moved to off-Broadway where it ran for five years. After that, the musical was made into another film starring among others, Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, Ellen Greene, John Candy, Bill Murray, and Christopher Guest. That’s the one I remember. People’s Light is presenting the off-Broadway hit on its stage in Malverne, Pa, and the production is spectacular!

From the very beginning, When Ciffon, Crysal, and Ronette (the chorus) come down the steps from the audience to sing the prologue (“Little Shop of Horrors”), we know we are in for a special treat. What voices!!!

The story revolves around a flower store worker, Seymour, who works beside Audrey in a rundown shop on skid row that is doing no business. Mr. Mushnick is going to close up the shop when Audrey tells him that Seymour has a plant that might attract customers if they put it in the window of the store. Seymour brings in the plant, which he has named Audrey II (he is secretly in love with Audrey who is in an abusive relationship). It works. Business booms.

Wonderful songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken like “Skid Row (Downtown),” “Grow for Me,” and “Ya Never Know” are so much fun to listen to and watch as they move the story along.

The plant is a success! The flower shop thrives.  But there is a problem. The only nourishment that works for Audrey II is human blood, which Seymour discovers when he accidentally cuts himself near the plant. How to keep her alive? And the plant keeps demanding “Feed me Seymour.” The second act gets even crazier.

There’s not a dull moment in the extraordinary production directed by Molly Rosa Houlahan who made some very creative casting decisions that you wouldn’t expect but work perfectly! I don’t want to give it away. She has brought the play to life. Will the plant survive? How will they deal with Audrey’s abuser, a cruel dentist. (There’s a fabulous song, “Dentist,” in the first act). Will the shy and awkward Seymour express his love for Audrey?

Whether you come for the play, which has entranced audiences for over 40 years or come to see these amazing singers and actors on the stage or just to experience this exquisitely told story, you have to see it.  It’s easily the best musical of the year!

“Little Shop of Horrors,” book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken. Thru August 3, 2025.  People’s Light and Theatre Co., 39 Conestoga Road, Malverne, PA 19355 610-644-3500  peopleslight.org   610-644-3500   thru August 3, 2025