BWW Reviews: Tasty Production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Graces The Muny Stage

I'm a big fan of lowbrow horror and science fiction films, especially those made between the 1930's and late 1970's, and I've always enjoyed the work of cult director/producer Roger Corman. The original 1960 film version of Little Shop of Horrors, was supposedly shot in four days, and it downright bristles with a sense of energy and cheap thrills, even though the budget was a mere pittance compared to what's spent on the blockbusters we witness today. Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music) took the basic premise put forward by writer Charles Griffith and crafted a very clever and funny off-Broadway musical which, in turn, spawned a rather lackluster and overblown movie version. So, it was with some trepidation that I looked forward to The Muny's current production. It's simply not a big splashy affair, and it would seem to benefit most from a smaller venue. Happily, they do the show justice, and the expansive stage that allows for larger production numbers doesn't get in the way of the simpleness of the story.

Some changes have occurred to Griffith's original screenplay, but a lot of the key elements remain in place. Seymour Krelborn is a poor orphan living on skid row, and earning a meager existence working at Mushnik's florist. He stumbles upon a mysterious plant he dubs Audrey II, that may be his ticket to stardom. The discovery that it requires blood to survive leads Seymour to prick his own fingers to make it thrive. It's sudden growth and unusual foliage gains it prime placement in the store's window, and the influx of gawking customers becomes both a blessing and a curse. As the plant continues to grow, so does it's appetite, and with no more fingers to stick, where will Seymour turn to satisfy its needs?

Rob McClure is fine as the put upon nebbish, Seymour, with his affable personality bringing this would be botanist to life. Seymour just wants to have some measure of success in life, and impress the girl of his dreams along the way. Alli Mauzey brings a lot of charm to her role as Audrey, the battered and squeaky-voiced object of Seymour's desire, and her vocal performance on "Somewhere That's Green," as she pines for cookie-cutter tract house, is both amusing and touching. The pair play off one another well, and their duets on "Call Back in the Morning" and "Suddenly Seymour" are nicely executed.

Raye Birk huffs and puffs his way through the role of the flower shop entrepreneur Mushnik, who takes Seymour in when no one else will. Birk provides comic support, and does a fine job with "Mushnik and Son" as he makes the decision to formally adopt Seymour. Acting as a Greek chorus that mimics the very Phil Spector produced girl groups they're each named for, Brene Jackson (Chiffon), Alysha Deslorieux (Crystal), and Jen Brissman (Ronnette) exhibit a properly soulful sound, complete with sparkling doo-wop harmonies. Clarke Thorell impresses as nearly every other character, including the sadistic dentist that Audrey is dating, bringing energy, and a certain degree of twisted menace to his main role. Michael Latini neatly manipulates Audrey II, the menacing plant that Seymour nurtures with his blood sacrifices, and Ken Page is an absolutely perfect fit as its voice.

John Miller-Stephany directs, and he keeps the pace brisk and the tone fairly light. He's aided by the spunky choreography of Darren Lee and the seedy scenic design of Michael Anania. James Cunningham's music direction allows the Muny orchestra to bring a bigness to the score that I hadn't heard before, and the Kansas City Costume Company does their usually good work with outfitting the cast with the appropriate clothing.

Despite my initial misgivings in thinking this smaller piece of theatre might get swallowed up by the huge stage, The Muny's has crafted a splendid, and creepily hilarious production of Little Shop of Horrors, and I heartily recommend that anyone interested ignore the soaring temperatures and attend this tasty little treat.

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