Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park heats up winter with a hothouse production of the beloved, campy classic Little Shop of Horrors, running in the Robert S. Marx Theatre Jan. 21 through Feb. 19.

The New York Times called the musical, "Exuberant ... leaves the audience ravenous for more." Based on Roger Corman's 1960 cult film classic, Little Shop of Horrors was adapted for the stage by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken in 1982. It is one of the longest-running off-Broadway musicals in history.

In addition to Little Shop of Horrors' hilarious storyline, audiences will enjoy the songs, written by Ashman and Menken - best known for their songs in popular Disney films, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.

"Only at The Playhouse can you experience the perfect combination of a large-scale musical like Little Shop of Horrors in an intimate space like the Marx Theatre," says Playhouse Artistic Director Blake Robison. "The show is wildly entertaining and features the unequaled artistry of some of the nation's top theatre talent, including the director Bill Fennelly, whose work has been seen both on Broadway and off-Broadway."

the show's popular and infectious score combines the best elements of rock, Motown and Broadway as it tells the story of a down-on-his-luck floral assistant, the sweet but troubled girl of his dreams and the bloodthirsty plant who sends them down a diabolical path. Little Shop of Horrors is also known for its elaborate Audrey II puppet, a giant plant that ultimately takes over the stage and requires its own puppeteer and voice actor.

"The true theatrical roots of Little Shop of Horrors are thrillingly and smartly ancient," explains Fennelly. "Complete with a girl-group spin on a Greek Chorus, it is really a morality play for a modern audience. The story weaves together thematic threads of a subverted hero's journey with elements of traditional Faustian legend: a man who sells his soul to The Devil to gain power, wealth and love. Roger Corman, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken have all contributed to the creation of an enduring story that delightfully employs the timeless tools of humor, horror and satire to hold up a mirror to all of us."

Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors are on sale now and start at $35 for previews and $40 for regular performances. Prices are subject to change. Discounted tickets for children, teens and students are available for all shows. For more information, call The Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility. For a list of cast and crew members, click here.

Little Shop of Horrors is sponsored by Tony Alper and Judy Curtin. The orchestra and design sponsor is Fifth Third Bank. The 2016-17 Robert S. Marx Theatre season is presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, and Macy's is the Robert S. Marx Theatre season design sponsor. The season sponsor of new work is the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To post a comment, you must register and login.