Home

Displaying items by tag: Music Theatre Works

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken, is the ultimate Halloween and fall musical for cult hit fans. This spooky, yet fun production captures the essence of the beloved story, making it a must-see for the season.

It all began in 1982 when the off-off-Broadway performances first took place, before moving off-Broadway to Orpheum Theater. But most probably remember the 1986 film adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz and based on the off-Broadway musical, starring Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Vincent Gardenia. The musical centers on Mushnik’s Flower Shop, a struggling business in a shabby neighborhood. Here, Seymour, a nerdy employee, discovers and nurtures an alien carnivorous plant, which he names Audrey II, after his co-worker Audrey, who he is crushing on. Driven by his love for Audrey and the desire to boost the shop's dwindling sales for Mr. Mushnik, Seymour helps the unidentified plant grow with steadfast dedication. Unfortunately, the food that the plant needs to grow is human blood, and the musical becomes a lesson in being careful what you wish for!

Kayla Shipman truly excels as Audrey. With her lovely presence and remarkable singing voice, Shipman captures the audience's hearts with her sweet and caring personality. This makes the revenge against her abusive, violent dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, all the more satisfying. One of Shipman’s notable numbers is "Somewhere That's Green,” a touching ballad where Audrey shares her dreams of leaving behind her bleak, urban life. She envisions finding happiness in a serene, suburban setting with a home, a yard, and a family filled with love and contentment. This poignant moment unveils her vulnerability and longing for a brighter future. 

(L to R) Kayla Shipman and Jimmy Hogan in Little Shop of Horrors from Music Theater Works.

Jimmy Hogan portrays Seymour as a likable character who must muster more courage to handle the plant's demands. His grounded performance provides a perfect counterbalance to the rest of the cast's comedic extremes. Hogan really shines in his powerful number with Shipman, "Suddenly Seymour.” The song signifies a pivotal moment in Audrey and Seymour's relationship. Audrey comes to see that Seymour genuinely cares for her and offers a brighter future. It's a moment of revelation and reassurance, with Seymour vowing to protect her and demonstrating that she deserves love and happiness. Themes of love, support, and newfound confidence shine through in this heartfelt duet.

The plant comes alive thanks to Najee Musiq Rawls, who voices Audrey II and really impresses during “Feed Me (Git it!).” "Feed Me (Git It!)" is a crucial song in Little Shop of Horrors. Here, the carnivorous plant Audrey II insists on more human blood to grow stronger, luring Seymour with promises of fame, fortune, and love. This song spotlights Seymour's moral struggle, caught between his conscience and the plant's insatiable hunger, heightening the story's tension and propelling the plot forward.

Sam Nachison delivers a standout performance as Orin Scrivello, particularly shining in the number “Dentist!” This song, which hilariously recounts how his sadistic tendencies drove him to dentistry, showcases Nachison's talent and darkly comedic flair. The cast is bolstered by a talented ensemble who deliver strong performances in both dance and song numbers while Thomas M. Shea does an admirable job in his portrayal of store owner, Mr. Mushnik. The show gets an additional lift from its excellent set design, lighting, costumes, and puppetry. Music Theatre Works never fails to produce vibrant and captivating productions.

Although the set begins with a dark and somber feel, it brightens considerably with lighting effects and vibrant costume changes as Audrey II's fame and popularity grow, captivating audiences worldwide. The company excels in strategically staging this wild musical in the intimate North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in nearby Skokie. 

Little Shop of Horrors is expertly directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan, with choreography by Reneisha Jenkins and musical direction by Linda Madonia. I recommend this show for audiences aged 13 and over. Though an entertaining story with plenty of humorous moments, the themes in Little Shop of Horrors, such as domestic violence, a sadistic dentist who tortures his patients, and a plant that grows by devouring humans, are questionable for younger viewers, despite the show's renowned puppetry.

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors is currently being performed in the North Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts through November 17th. For tickets and/or more show information, click HERE

Published in Theatre in Review

Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14

30 October 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Chicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to…

Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!

30 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi…

Missing the Music: A Disconnected Seven Guitars at City Lit Theater

29 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

August Wilson stipulated only Black directors should direct his plays. It stemmed from his deep commitment to authentic representation and…

'Into the Woods' an Exciting Musical Fairytale Mashup at Chopin Theater

29 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

I’ll admit it: I knew little about “Into the Woods” before seeing the new production at Chicago’s Chopin Theatre. I’m…

Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!

29 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

Music Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken,…

IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace”

28 October 2024 in Upcoming Dance

IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace” World Premiere in Chicago for Two Performances  Location: Ann Barzel Theater Visceral Dance Center,…

American Blues Theater to produce 23rd Annual It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

28 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

American Blues Theater announces its 23rd Annual Production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film and directed by Executive Artistic…

CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS 2024-2025 SEASON

28 October 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) has recently returned from a successful European Tour and  is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 season and…

Pericles: Royal Shakespeare Company refreshes an obscure tale at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

27 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

They do abuse the king that flatter him For flattery is the bellows that blows up sin These days, fireplace…

Teatro ZinZanni Presents: The LiV Warfield Xperience For One Night Only - Nov. 18

25 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Teatro ZinZanni, Chicago's wildly entertaining cabaret and cirque show, will open up their vintage circus tent, the Spiegeltent, to present The LiV…

Matinee added on December 9 for CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY

24 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Marriott Theatre has added a second matinee performance of the concert CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY…

Some Like It Hot sizzles at Cadillac Palace Theatre

24 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

In the midst of the bustle and busyness of several stunning song-and-dance routines in Some Like It Hot, beautifully directed…

Lifeline Theatre presents 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival two-week festival of storytelling performances November 8 - November 17, 2024

23 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Lifeline Theatre presents the 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a vibrant celebration of Chicago's premiere storytelling and live lit scene. The…

Puppet shows for private audiences in living room settings: Chicago Puppet Fest's Fall Living Room Tour returns November 14-16

23 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is pulling strings to raise funds this fall, offering three exclusive sneak peeks of…

Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit

23 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

What a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe…

Deliciously wicked: Evil Perfect at Bramble Theatre Company tells a familiar story in a perfectly wicked way

23 October 2024 in Theatre Reviews

After completing my hundredth fan fiction about the same two characters defying all obstacles and falling in love, I took…

Live immersive horror experience based on INSIDIOUS coming to Chicago

22 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Brace yourself for the scare of a lifetime, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and directly into your theater…

Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' at Brightside Theatre is the ultimate Halloween treat with just the right amount of bite!

21 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

Brightside Theatre’s rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adapted by Stephen Dietz, captivates from the opening scene to its climactic finale.…

Dante’s ‘Commedia Divina,’ Retooled by Conspirators, Delivers Epic Laughs at Otherworld Theatre

20 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

The early closing of the Conspirators’ 2023 production of “Commedia Divina,” proved useful, giving this …erm … highly original company…

Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody Bring Afternoon of Entertaining Conversation to the MAC Nov. 10

18 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) welcomes back Mandy Patinkin. This time he will be joined by his wife for "A…

Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago to return to The Chopin in November

18 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Toughest Man Productions, Executive Producer Lecy Goranson and producing consultant Beth Kligerman announce a return engagement for the world premiere…

Review: Joffrey Ballet's US Premiere of Cathy Marston's 'Atonement' at Civic Opera House

18 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

What source materials make a great ballet? Can everything be interpreted through dance? It’s a fair question when considering Joffrey…

Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2024/25 Season

17 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 2024/25 Season, featuring a fan favorite and two world premieres. Now in…

Casting announced for ANNIE at Chicago Theatre Nov. 12-Dec 1

16 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions, Inc. and Crossroads Live North America today announced casting…

Handbag's 'The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby Don’t Gang: The Mystery of The Haunted Bush' a hilarious adventure not to be missed!

15 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

I look forward to every Hell and a Handbag production - because I know they’re always a great time. The…

Embracing Vulnerability: Goodman’s Heartfelt 'Primary Trust' Highlights the Power of Not Being Okay

15 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

Eboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Primary Trust is a deeply introspective and bittersweet exploration of abandonment, routine, and the…

Love Me, Love Me: The Love Object brings back the drama of bubblegum pop at Raven Theatre

14 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

The Y2K era was a wild time to be a girl. Bubblegum pop juxtaposed against futuristic silver-scaled sets, female artists…

Try To See It Their Way: Milo Imagines The World at Chicago Children's Theatre

13 October 2024 in Theatre in Review

Have you ever jumped on a crowded L train and wondered just why there were so many people on it?…

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER On Sale

12 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Broadway In Chicago, playing at the CIBC Theatre from December 10 to December 15, 2024.…

TUTA Theatre to stage Thornton Wilder's THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER November 26 - December 29

12 October 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

TUTA Theatre has announced it will stage the infrequently produced Thornton Wilder drama THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER for the 2024…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 379 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.