Photo by Luis Escobar, Reflections Photography Studio
This production was scheduled April 25-May 12, 2024 in Santa Maria, and June 13-July 7, 2024 in Solvang.
Mushnik’s flower shop on Skid Row is about to go under until Seymour, a tragically shy assistant, stumbles upon a new breed of plant with an unusual appetite—for blood.
That’s the premise of Little Shop of Horrors, a hilarious musical hit and sci-fi homage to B-movies that has continued to devour the hearts of theatergoers for more than 30 years. PCPA is presenting its production in Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre April 25 through May 12. The show also kicks off the summer season at Solvang Festival Theater from June 13 through July 7.
Director and choreographer Keenon Hooks describes Little Shop of Horrors as having become “a beloved classic story through its many incarnations.” The story originated in a 1960 film written by Charles Griffith and directed by Roger Corman, then it became an original Off-Broadway musical with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, as well as a 1986 movie musical. Throughout, the story’s dark humor and campy comedy has continued to capture and delight audiences.
“Life isn’t easy on Skid Row,” Hooks says. “The production follows Seymour Krelborn, a guy who grew up with nothing and believes he also doesn’t have much worth. Yet dreams start coming true as he cares for a strange new breed of plant he’s discovered while working in a flower shop. He goes from having literally nothing, to finding fame, fortune, and the secret love of his life. Are things too good to be true? Does this strange plant really have the magnitude to make Seymour’s dreams come true? Or could Seymour have achieved all these things on his own if he just truly believed in himself?”
Hooks says Seymour’s delimma is something many people can relate to. “Especially coming out of a global pandemic, a period that gave many of us time to reflect on our own lives, values, and self-worth,” he says. “We’ve all had doubts and questions when we were stuck, not being able to live our lives and pursue our dreams. But the worth is always inside us, even when we don’t get to show it.”
The creative team bringing Little Shop of Horrors to life also includes music director Michael Wilkins, costume designer Caroline Rein, lighting designer Cody Soper, scenic designer Joe C. Klug, sound designer Tony Angelini, voice/dialect coach Kitty Balay, and stage manager Jack D. Myles.
The cast includes Alexander Pimentel as Seymour, Molly Dobbs as Audrey, and Billy Breed as Mr. Mushnik. Filling the all-important role of Voice of the Plant is Diva LaMarr. George Walker, Brezae Weeks, Etasha Caston, Marisa Moenho, Michael Gould, and Andrew Missael Banderas also appear on stage along with live band members Michael Wilkins, Chris Mariscal, Nolan Lemay, and Jason Wells.
The musical contains some dark themes and some mild language, and is recommended for ages 12 and up.