'Little Shop of Horrors' Flourishes at Greater Boston Stage Company

Please do not feed the plant while I’m gone.

Greater Boston Stage Company blooms Little Shop of Horrors, a darkly comical musical about a man-eating plant. Taking place in the 1960s in downtown Skid Row, Seymour discovers an unusual plant. To save Mr. Mushnik’s flower shop, Seymour discovers that this talking plant brings him fame and fortune - only at a deadly cost.

Little Shop of Horrors has become one of my favorite musicals. The Greater Boston Stage Company’s rendition had audiences roaring in laughter and applauding the amazing talents. Beyond the musical’s comical roots, Little Shop of Horrors nurtures a reflective message about the importance of seeking healthy relationships.

A cast of nine talented actors sprouts incredible talents, playing a diverse range of roles. Every character in Little Shop of Horrors is vital to the show's pedals, reflecting human desires, safety nets, and cautionary lessons.

Seymour is blossomed to perfection by Stephen Markarian, who captures the character’s awkward nature and kind heart. Markarian’s singing voice is excellent, particularly in ‘Grow for Me’ and ‘Now (It’s Just the Gas),’ as Seymour grapples with his morals.

Kayla Shimizu shines as Audrey, moving audiences with her stunning vocals in ‘Somewhere That’s Green.’ Audrey desires to find love, but gets stuck in unhealthy relationships. Audrey and Seymour’s dynamic is endearing, highlighting that genuine support can grow when you give someone a chance.

Cortlandt Barrett (Chifron), Becky Bass (Crystal), and Pearl Scott (Ronette) open the show with fierce vocals. As the show’s dynamic divas, they give their commentary and cultivate every scene with their infectious energy.

When reading Orin on the page, you’d ask yourself, why is an abusive maniacal dentist funny? It’s because they’re played by a talented actor who understands the assignment and makes the character as hysterical and over-the-top as they can. Jared Troilo went all out, channeling his inner Elvis Presley hip swivels and hamming up every scene he is in.

Each actor has a brilliant comedic touch, especially Bryan Miner as Mr. Mushnik. He may appear to be a gruff flower shop owner, but Mr. Mushnik looks out for his co-workers. ‘Mushnik & Son’ was a memorable number, with Miner adding a comical Jewish dance.

The masterful puppets of Audrey II (which grew bigger and BIGGER) became more menacing as the show progressed. Anthony Pires Jr. voices the plant with his booming vocals while Sydney T. Grant puppeteers.

Little Shop of Horrors is a tech-savvy show with impressive special effects in design, lighting, and costumes. Greater Boston Stage Company made excellent use of its stage. Set designer Erik D. Diaz crafted the neighborhood of Skid Row from dingy house sets to the chaotic plant shop. The plant's roots sprout all over the place.

Little Shop of Horrors is directed with precision by Ilana Ransom Toeplitz. As a newfound fan of the show, Toeplitz was drawn to its comical nature and its relevant message about finding healthy relationships that are suitable for you.

Since 2022, I have seen five different adaptations of this show. Although the same storyline, it’s never the same show. Every production adds its own little comedic touches or stage direction. That’s what I look forward to when seeing Little Shop of Horrors, and this production has several notable scenes that had audiences laughing.

One woman belted out laughing during the famous dentist scene between Seymour and Orin. It’s a crowd-pleaser and puts the dark in comedy.

Little Shop of Horrors is on its last roots at the Greater Boston Stage Company this weekend. Get your tickets before the flower shop closes. It’s a darkly hysterical production with vibrant songs. Just don’t feed the plant.