Books & Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based upon the film by Roger Corman
There are shows like Oklahoma and Oliver that everyone knows and loves, and there are shows too numerous to mention that have fallen by the wayside. There are shows that have gone on to run and run, seemingly forever, and then there are cult shows which brings in thousands of the most unlikely fans to every performance. Little Shop of Horrors belongs firmly in the cult section of this list. The show is based on the Roger Corman B-movie of the same name from 1960 and one of the theatre's most perennially popular shows. But why?
| In part, it must be said that the show parodies a little bit of everything: the movies, the Faustian legend, and rock and roll. All provide kindling to get this production burning. Another of its endearing aspects is the total innocence of the main characters, who are completely taken in by the strange plant that just happens to turn up. Children especially love it because of two things: first the puppetry which brings the various incarnations of the plant to life, and secondly that the plant turns out to be so absolutely horrible, just like a Roald Dahl villain - and kids adore it! |
"A cheery and nicely "over the top" production by Mark Hughes which gave us a wealth of colourful broad characters and a lot of uneasy fun" NODA |
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And then there's the music: the composer, Alan Menken, is better known for his scores to the various Disney blockbusters such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Pocahontas. But in Little Shop he bases the score on the sound of the rock and Motown music of the 60s, and creates something new, so clever, that we all know this music from somewhere - but where? |
This was a fun production as we performed it after a relatively short summer rehearsal period. Notable highlights included tracking down a suitable Audrey II, wall papering the set at the last minute and for providing the band from within the Company (though we did stick them in the balcony!). Floyd directed for the first time whist still at college (after touring with productions such as Miss Saigon, he is now at home in the West End!) and there were strong performances from all the cast. Adam (Mr Butlins) and Cath (Ms Torchwood/Dr Who) made a wonderful Seymour and Audrey and our other Adam was a rather scary Orin (the dentist and now to be found on the high seas in the Caribbean). There were plenty of cameos for all of the Concept cast though special mention has to be made to poor Mike who was the puppeteer - he was exhausted at the end of every performance and the wonderful harmonising Ronettes: Ceri, Rhiannon and Lorna who were fantastic. This show has some of the best songs in musical theatre and is one which we are sure we could always be prepared to return to!
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