‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Guthrie: A must-see before it closes Aug. 18

The Guthrie Theater’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” offers a delightful evening filled with humor, catchy tunes, and stellar performances. Located in downtown Minneapolis, just a 20-minute drive from Eden Prairie, the show provides an engaging escape from the everyday grind.

First impressions and setting

I approached my visit to the Guthrie Theater with neutral expectations, having never experienced the story or seen the film. The theater’s reputation for producing amazing pieces certainly piqued my interest, especially since musicals are my favorite kind of live entertainment. The Guthrie’s Wurtele Thrust Stage, which extends into the audience, provided an immersive experience, offering great views from any seat in the house.

Plot and pacing

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a comedy-rock musical about a meek florist shop assistant, Seymour, who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The story, set on Skid Row in New York, revolves around themes of greed, love, ambition, and morality. The pacing was perfect, with well-timed act breaks that kept me engaged throughout.

Characters and performances

The character development and portrayal were definite highlights. Each actor seemed perfectly cast, delivering performances that brought their characters to life. China Brickey, who played Audrey, was the standout star. Her singing, dancing, and acting made her a true triple threat.

The plant Audrey II was another crowd favorite. It looked like it took three or four people to maneuver it at times, giving it a life of its own. The three chorus girls – Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette – moved the story along nicely with their phenomenal singing and dancing.

Script and dialogue

The script and dialogue were engaging and humorous. When I first read about a plant that eats blood, I thought it would be silly, but it turned out to be silly in a good way – not corny or awkward. The dialogue kept the show running smoothly and kept me intrigued every minute.

Production elements

The costumes and makeup were amazing, adding to the story without distraction. The music and sound design were effective, contributing perfectly without overshadowing the performances. The attention to detail in the set design was impressive, creating a believable and engaging environment.

I also enjoyed hearing Paul Allen’s familiar voice over the speaker. As the voice of the Minnesota Vikings, he’s a local celebrity, and it added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Overall experience

I enjoyed the story because it wasn’t preachy about morals or values. It was a cute tale about a man in love, willing to do anything to have his love reciprocated, with lots of silly twists that kept it fun and entertaining. I found myself singing the catchy songs like “Little Shop of Horrors” the next day, thanks to the bebop-inspired music that had the audience moving their heads.

The Guthrie Theater’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” is a nostalgic classic that doesn’t offend anyone in 2024, providing a refreshing break from the constant news cycle. The show runs until Sunday, Aug. 18, and I highly recommend seeing it before it closes.

For a lighthearted, fun night (or afternoon) out, “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Guthrie Theater is an excellent choice.

Details:

• Runtime: Approximately two hours, including intermission.
• Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 10 and up due to some dark humor and mildly scary scenes.
• Notable elements: Motown-inspired bebop hits, immersive stage design, and top-notch production quality.

Who should see it?

• Teenagers: Likely to enjoy the humor and musical elements.
• Families: Despite some scenes that might scare very young children, the show is generally family-friendly, with many families in the audience.
• Musical enthusiasts: Fans of classic musicals and Motown-inspired music.
• First-time theatergoers: The interactive nature of the Guthrie stage enhances the experience.
• Fans of the original: Those familiar with the movie or previous productions will appreciate this rendition.
• Anyone seeking fun entertainment: The universally appealing story of love and ambition, with lots of lighthearted moments, makes it perfect for a fun night out.

One thing they could improve on: While the overall experience was fantastic, there were moments when some of the male actors were a bit hard to understand. Ensuring clearer enunciation could enhance the audience’s enjoyment even more. 

‘Little Shop of Horrors’

• Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman
• Music by Alan Menken
• Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
• Directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge

Have a great time, and take advantage of this chance for a delightful experience filled with fun and laughter at the Guthrie Theater!

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Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.