The show is on. The 2023 fall musical, Little Shop of Horrors, written in the 80s by the team who wrote The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and more, opens tomorrow on the NASH stage.
“The main character, Seymour, works at an unsuccessful flower shop until one day he finds a strange and unusual plant,” musical director David Schmiech said. “Eventually, Seymour has to make a tough decision about what ideology to ‘feed’ into. Will he forego his values in favor of fame and fortune?”
Little Shop of Horrors is in fact about a florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The plant is a new breed that Seymour decides to name Audrey II after his co-worker crush. The plant promises Seymour fame and fortune as long as he continues to feed him blood.
“The tunes are so infectious,” technical director Bob Tozier said. “I guarantee you will be singing along with these songs. The story is fantastic because the characters are likable and relatable in many ways.”
The show is a dark comedy that has challenged the cast and crew to perfect.
“I have truly enjoyed building the sets and working with a man-eating plant,” Tozier added. “We have built many street buildings in the past few years, so it has been wonderful creating Skid Row. We even built a dumpster, which I think is a first for a North Allegheny musical. The plant has many pieces through its growth and the largest one is absolutely gigantic. I cannot wait to see the audience reaction when Audrey II comes to life.”
NASH senior Evan Wilson is starring as Seymour Krelborn, a timid florist who works at Mushnick’s flower shop.
“I really love how dynamic Seymour is throughout the show. I get to be him at the best times and also the worst of times before the show is done, which is super fun,” Wilson said.
Senior Mia Lanasa stars as Audrey, a vulnerable and sweet girl with a dark past who also works at the flower shop.
“I love all the songs I get to sing. I am most excited for everyone to see the show and all the hard work everyone has put into it,” said Lanasa.
Wilson is eager to see how the audience responds to one aspect of the show in particular.
“I think I’m most looking forward to getting the audience’s reaction to the giant carnivorous plant,” he said. “It is definitely unlike anything we’ve ever brought to the stage here.”
Little Shop of Horrors will take the stage on Thursday, November 9th at 7:00 pm, Saturday, November 11th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 12th at 2:00 pm at the NASH auditorium. If you’re planning to attend, try not to let Audrey II eat anyone!
Tickets are for sale online.
