Little Shop Of Horrors Musical Script

The bizarre yet captivating world of "Little Shop of Horrors" unfolds as a darkly comedic musical, weaving together elements of science fiction, horror, and romance within a framework of catchy tunes and memorable characters. Its enduring appeal stems from its ingenious script, which expertly balances humor with social commentary, creating a theatrical experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The Genesis of a Cult Classic

"Little Shop of Horrors" began as a low-budget 1960 film directed by Roger Corman. The film's quirky premise and dark humor caught the attention of Howard Ashman, who envisioned it as a musical. Partnering with Alan Menken, Ashman adapted the film into a stage play that premiered off-off-Broadway in 1982. Its success led to an off-Broadway production, which ran for five years, and eventually a Broadway revival and numerous international productions, solidifying its place in musical theater history.

The Core Elements of the Script

The "Little Shop of Horrors" script is celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable songs, and well-defined characters. The story revolves around Seymour Krelborn, a meek and awkward floral assistant working at Mushnik's Flower Shop in the rundown Skid Row neighborhood. His life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a mysterious plant he names Audrey II, after his secret crush, Audrey.

Plot Structure

• Exposition: The musical opens with the three narrators—Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon—introducing the setting of Skid Row and the struggling Mushnik's Flower Shop. Seymour's discovery of Audrey II sets the stage for the unfolding drama.
• Rising Action: As Audrey II grows, it attracts customers and revitalizes the flower shop's business. However, the plant demands a diet of human blood, forcing Seymour to resort to increasingly desperate measures to keep it alive.
• Climax: Audrey II's insatiable appetite escalates, and it begins to speak, demanding to be fed more people. The plant's true intentions are revealed as it plots to take over the world.
• Falling Action: Seymour realizes the danger Audrey II poses and attempts to destroy it. However, the plant proves too powerful, and in a final confrontation, Audrey is fatally wounded.
• Resolution: Seymour, determined to stop Audrey II, confronts the plant and destroys it, sacrificing himself in the process. The musical concludes with a cautionary message about greed and the dangers of playing God.

Key Characters

• Seymour Krelborn: The protagonist of the story, Seymour is a kind-hearted but insecure young man who seeks love and success. His naiveté and desperation lead him down a dark path as he becomes entangled with Audrey II.
• Audrey: Seymour's co-worker and love interest, Audrey is a sweet but self-conscious woman with low self-esteem. She dreams of a better life but is trapped in an abusive relationship with her sadistic boyfriend, Orin Scrivello.
• Mr. Mushnik: The owner of Mushnik's Flower Shop, Mr. Mushnik is a grumpy and opportunistic businessman. He is quick to exploit Seymour's success but ultimately cares more about profit than people.
• Audrey II: The carnivorous plant from outer space, Audrey II is the antagonist of the musical. It is a manipulative and bloodthirsty creature with a booming voice and a sinister agenda.
• Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon: These three young women serve as the narrators of the story. They provide commentary on the events unfolding and often act as a Greek chorus, commenting on the action and providing context.
• Orin Scrivello: Audrey's abusive boyfriend, Orin, is a sadistic dentist with a penchant for inflicting pain. He represents the darker aspects of human nature and serves as a foil to Seymour's gentle character.

Analyzing the Script's Structure and Themes

"Little Shop of Horrors" uses its darkly comedic narrative to explore themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires. The script's brilliance lies in its ability to blend humor with social commentary, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Comedy and Satire

The musical employs dark humor and satire to critique various aspects of society. The setting of Skid Row highlights the desperation and poverty prevalent in urban areas. The characters are often caricatures, exaggerating their flaws for comedic effect. Orin Scrivello, for example, is a grotesque parody of a dentist, embodying the stereotype of the sadistic healthcare professional.

Audrey II serves as a metaphor for corporate greed and the insatiable desire for more. The plant's demands for more blood mirror the relentless pursuit of profit at any cost. The musical satirizes the American dream, suggesting that the pursuit of success can lead to moral compromise and ultimately destruction.

Musical Numbers

The songs in "Little Shop of Horrors" are integral to the storytelling, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative and providing insight into the characters' motivations. Alan Menken's music, combined with Howard Ashman's lyrics, creates a dynamic and engaging score that captures the musical's unique blend of genres.

• "Little Shop of Horrors": The opening number sets the scene and introduces the characters, establishing the musical's tone and themes.
• "Skid Row (Downtown)": This ensemble piece vividly portrays the bleakness and desperation of Skid Row, highlighting the characters' longing for a better life.
• "Grow For Me": Seymour's song about nurturing Audrey II reflects his growing confidence and ambition, as well as his naiveté about the plant's true nature.
• "Somewhere That's Green": Audrey's wistful ballad expresses her longing for a simple, suburban life, free from the hardships of Skid Row.
• "Dentist!": Orin's rock-and-roll anthem showcases his sadistic personality and his enjoyment of inflicting pain.
• "Feed Me (Git It)": Audrey II's demanding song underscores its insatiable appetite and its growing control over Seymour.
• "Suddenly, Seymour": This duet between Seymour and Audrey marks a turning point in their relationship, as they express their love for each other.
• "Suppertime": Audrey II's menacing song foreshadows its plan to consume more victims, adding to the rising tension of the plot.
• "The Meek Shall Inherit": The finale serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of greed and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

The Power of Dialogue

The dialogue in "Little Shop of Horrors" is sharp, witty, and often hilarious. Howard Ashman's script is filled with memorable lines and exchanges that contribute to the musical's overall charm. The conversations between Seymour and Audrey are particularly endearing, showcasing their awkwardness and vulnerability.

The interactions between Seymour and Audrey II are darkly comedic, as the plant manipulates Seymour with promises of fame and fortune. Mr. Mushnik's dialogue is often cynical and self-serving, reflecting his pragmatic approach to business. The narrators, Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon, provide insightful commentary on the events unfolding, adding depth and context to the story.

The Script's Enduring Appeal

"Little Shop of Horrors" has resonated with audiences for decades due to its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart. The script's clever writing, memorable songs, and relatable characters have made it a favorite among theatergoers and performers alike.

Social Commentary

The musical's themes of greed, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked desires remain relevant today. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sacrificing morality for success. The setting of Skid Row highlights the social issues of poverty and urban decay, prompting audiences to reflect on the disparities in society.

Relatable Characters

Despite the fantastical elements of the story, the characters in "Little Shop of Horrors" are surprisingly relatable. Seymour's insecurities and Audrey's low self-esteem are universal experiences that many people can identify with. The characters' desires for love, success, and a better life are common aspirations that resonate with audiences.

Thematic Depth

"Little Shop of Horrors" is not just a lighthearted musical; it also explores deeper themes about human nature and the choices we make. The story questions the morality of pursuing success at any cost and highlights the importance of staying true to one's values. The ending, in which Seymour sacrifices himself to destroy Audrey II, underscores the importance of integrity and selflessness.

Production and Adaptation Considerations

The "Little Shop of Horrors" script offers numerous opportunities for creative interpretation and adaptation. Directors and designers can bring their unique vision to the production, exploring different aspects of the story and emphasizing various themes.

Staging and Design

The staging of "Little Shop of Horrors" can range from minimalist to elaborate, depending on the director's vision and the resources available. The set design typically includes Mushnik's Flower Shop, Skid Row, and various locations that serve as backdrops for the musical's events. The design of Audrey II is a crucial element, as the plant grows in size and complexity throughout the show.

Character Interpretation

The actors playing Seymour, Audrey, Mr. Mushnik, and Audrey II have considerable latitude in interpreting their roles. Seymour can be portrayed as meek and insecure or more assertive and ambitious. Audrey can be presented as vulnerable and delicate or more resilient and self-aware. Mr. Mushnik's characterization can range from grumpy and opportunistic to genuinely caring.

Musical Arrangements

The musical arrangements for "Little Shop of Horrors" can be adapted to suit the talents of the musicians and the style of the production. The score's blend of rock and roll, doo-wop, and Motown offers opportunities for creative interpretation and instrumentation.

Impact on Musical Theatre

"Little Shop of Horrors" has had a significant impact on musical theatre, influencing subsequent works and inspiring new generations of playwrights and composers. Its success demonstrated the potential of off-Broadway productions and paved the way for other unconventional musicals.

Innovation in Genre

The musical's blend of science fiction, horror, and comedy was innovative for its time and helped to broaden the definition of what a musical could be. It challenged traditional musical theatre conventions and paved the way for more experimental and genre-bending works.

Influence on Subsequent Works

"Little Shop of Horrors" has influenced numerous subsequent musicals, including "Bat Boy: The Musical" and "The Rocky Horror Show." These works share the musical's dark humor, unconventional themes, and memorable characters.

Conclusion

The "Little Shop of Horrors" musical script is a masterpiece of dark comedy, blending humor, horror, and heart to create a uniquely entertaining and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Its witty dialogue, memorable songs, and relatable characters have made it a favorite among audiences and performers alike. The script's exploration of themes such as greed, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked desires remains relevant today, ensuring its enduring appeal for years to come. Whether on stage or screen, "Little Shop of Horrors" continues to captivate and entertain, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our values and the dangers of sacrificing morality for success. The genius of Ashman and Menken's collaboration has cemented "Little Shop of Horrors" as a cornerstone of modern musical theatre, its influence echoing through countless productions and inspiring future generations of storytellers.