The best times at the theater almost always involve getting to see a stellar cast elevate the material. So is the case with Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse and its production of the beloved horror-comedy musical “Little Shop of Horrors.”
You’ve got Braden Max Stroppel lending his sincerity and sweet vocals to the dorky, down-on-his-luck flower shop worker Seymour; the adorable Mariana Sarmento singing her way through a wide range of emotions as his love interest and co-worker, Audrey; Bianca Dixon, doing seductively diabolical voice work as killer plant Audrey II; and an awe-inspiring comedic turn from Logan Johnson as the abusive, sadistic dentist Orin.
Fortunately, the score that these rising stars get to sing is full of great tunes, courtesy of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Between the two, they basically created the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s, providing music for films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” The music for “Little Shop of Horrors” is a little more nostalgic, heavily influenced by the popular tunes of the ’50s and ’60s.
That’s fitting, seeing as the musical is based on a 1960 film directed by Roger Corman. Usually, musicals based on movies are subpar, but there are exceptions to every rule. The musical even has a girl group Greek chorus, appropriately named Chiffon (Kat Bruce), Crystal (Mia Laverne) and Ronette (Kendal Williams).
The audience is immediately made aware that a strange occurrence happened on Sept. 21 (apparently the landing of flesh-eating alien plants and the events of the song “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire both took place on the same date, who knew?). We learn about the downtrodden circumstances of Seymour, Audrey, the chorus and the flower shop on Skid Row during a heartfelt scene-setting number, and then Seymour brings out an unusual plant that he purchased recently, which he has named Audrey II.
Desperate to save the sinking shop, Seymour does everything he can to help the ailing plant flourish. He accidentally discovers that feeding it some of his own blood does the trick, and soon enough, he’s taking in money hand-over-bandaged-fist when customers come to see the strange specimen.
But not everything is looking up. Seymour has to watch as Audrey, the object of his affection, stays in an abusive relationship with Orin. So when Audrey II grows big enough from Seymour’s small blood sacrifices that it begins to speak and request more feedings, Seymour sees a tempting solution. What follows is the intrepid botanist’s downward spiral — and maybe the foliage-filled end of humanity.
Every member of the cast brings their A-game, especially with the ever-present Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette bringing laughs and dimension to every scene. Sarmento gave a pitch-perfect performance of the heartfelt solo song “Somewhere That’s Green” at Wednesday’s opening night performance, and her chemistry with Stroppel made the show’s famous number “Suddenly Seymour” something special.
“Little Shop of Horrors” rides the line between camp and sincerity, and the line between horror and comedy. The funniest part of the production was Johnson, who has a seemingly natural sense of perfect off-kilter, over-the-top physical comedy and timing that made him stand out in a generally terrific cast.
Also, we can’t forget the plant itself, which was designed in its various stages of growth by puppet designer Stella Frazer and is maneuvered by a talented set of puppeteers trained by D.T. Burns. Unsettling in both its movements and striking appearance, the carnivorous plant certainly steals the show.
It will especially throw you off-balance in the dingy Skid Row flower shop setting, put together by scenic designer Christian Fleming, and under often dark and foreboding lighting from designer Nathan Phillips. Director Michael Campayno has done an exceptional job of striking just the right tone with the actors and production, and music director Camille Villalpando Rolla worked magic with the orchestra.
It’s always a good weekend to watch Frank Oz’s 1986 film adaptation of “Little Shop of Horrors,” starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin — it’s a great movie. But this weekend, it would be even better to come out and see the musical in person with a cast that will impress just as much.
“Little Shop of Horrors” runs through May 3 at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse in Downtown Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit playhouse.pointpark.edu.