Studio Tenn kicks off the theatre company’s 15th anniversary season with the deviously delicious sci-fi musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors, opening on the Turner Theater stage at the Factory at Franklin Oct. 10 through Oct. 27.
Studio Tenn’s production takes on this affectionate spoof on 1960’s sci-fi movies about a twisted tale of botanical bloodlust. On the dangerous and downtrodden streets of Skid Row, Seymour, a struggling floral assistant, becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” — named after his coworker crush — grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore. As Audrey II’s insatiable hunger grows, Seymour’s world crumbles under the weight of the plant’s sinister plan for global domination.
“Our 2024-25 season is packed with exceptional talent from Tennessee and New York ready to entertain and perform,” said Patrick Cassidy, artistic director for Studio Tenn. “‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is the perfect show to open this season – it will leave you laughing, screaming, and rethinking your gardening plans. The moral of this story: Don’t feed the plants.”
Premiering off-off-Broadway in 1982, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s man-eating musical weaves together a tale of love, greed and monstrous desires. The award-winning musical appeared on the big screen in 1986 with a star-studded cast, including Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Levi Stubbs, Steve Martin, Jim Belushi, John Candy, Bill Murray, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell and Michelle Weeks. “Little Shop of Horrors” made its Broadway debut in 2003 and has had several off-Broadway revivals in recent years.
Little Shop of Horrors is recommended for audiences 13+ due to its subject matter. Tickets are now on sale via studiotenn.org, at the Turner Theater box office in The Factory at Franklin or by calling 615-541-8200.
