Script For Little Shop Of Horrors

From Skid Row to the Stage: Unpacking the Script of Little Shop of Horrors

"Little Shop of Horrors" isn't just a musical; it's a cultural phenomenon. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its catchy tunes and darkly comedic plot but also in its brilliantly crafted script, a masterful blend of horror, humor, and heart. Delving into the script reveals the genius behind the show's success, highlighting its clever dialogue, memorable characters, and poignant themes.

Genesis of a Green Monster: The Origins of Little Shop

The story of "Little Shop of Horrors" begins not on a Broadway stage, but in a low-budget 1960 Roger Corman film of the same name. This quirky, dark comedy served as the inspiration for Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the creative duo who transformed the cult classic into a theatrical masterpiece. Ashman, the lyricist and librettist, recognized the film's potential for musical adaptation, envisioning a show that would be both hilarious and horrifying, a satire of the American Dream with a monstrous twist.

Ashman's adaptation expanded upon the original story, fleshing out the characters and adding layers of social commentary. He retained the film's dark humor but imbued it with a theatrical flair, crafting witty dialogue and memorable lyrics that perfectly complemented Menken's infectious score. The result was a musical that felt both familiar and fresh, a loving homage to the B-movies of the past while forging its own unique identity.

Characters that Bloom (and Sometimes Devour): A Closer Look

The script's strength lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own distinct personality and motivations.

• Seymour Krelborn: The meek and unassuming protagonist, Seymour is the heart of the story. He's a lonely orphan, yearning for love and recognition. His naiveté and good intentions make him instantly likable, even as he makes increasingly questionable decisions. The script masterfully portrays Seymour's transformation, from a shy florist's assistant to a reluctant accomplice in Audrey II's deadly scheme. His internal conflict, torn between his desire for success and his growing guilt, is a key element of the show's dramatic tension.

• Audrey: The ditzy but endearing flower shop employee, Audrey dreams of a better life, far away from the poverty and abuse of Skid Row. She's attracted to Seymour's kindness and genuine affection, but she's also burdened by her own low self-esteem and her destructive relationship with Orin. The script uses Audrey's character to explore themes of domestic violence and the longing for a "normal" life. Her songs, like "Somewhere That's Green," are both heartbreaking and hopeful, offering a glimpse into her dreams of suburban bliss.

• Mr. Mushnik: The owner of the failing flower shop, Mr. Mushnik is a shrewd and cynical businessman. He's quick to exploit Seymour's newfound success, seeing him as a means to an end. While he may seem like a purely comedic character, the script also reveals a more vulnerable side to Mr. Mushnik, particularly in his yearning for companionship. His attempt to adopt Seymour, driven by both financial gain and a genuine desire for connection, adds a layer of complexity to his character.

• Audrey II: The carnivorous plant from outer space, Audrey II is the show's most iconic and terrifying character. The script gives Audrey II a commanding presence, using its booming voice and manipulative dialogue to control Seymour. Audrey II represents the seductive nature of power and the corrupting influence of greed. Its insatiable appetite serves as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

• Orin Scrivello D.D.S.: The sadistic dentist and Audrey's abusive boyfriend, Orin is the show's primary antagonist. He's a caricature of toxic masculinity, reveling in pain and suffering. The script uses Orin's character to satirize societal attitudes towards violence and the glorification of aggression. His death scenes are some of the most darkly comedic moments in the show, highlighting the absurdity of his character.

• The Urchins (Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon): These three streetwise narrators provide commentary and context throughout the show. They act as a Greek chorus, guiding the audience through the story and offering their own perspectives on the events unfolding. The script gives the Urchins a distinct Motown-inspired sound, adding a vibrant musical element to the show. They also serve as a reminder of the community that surrounds Seymour and Audrey, highlighting the impact of their actions on the lives of those around them.

Act-by-Act Breakdown: Plot and Key Moments

The script of "Little Shop of Horrors" is structured in two acts, each with its own distinct arc.

Act I:

• Opening: The show opens with the Urchins setting the scene on Skid Row, introducing the audience to the bleak and impoverished setting of the story. "Little Shop of Horrors" establishes the central themes of poverty, despair, and the yearning for a better life.

• Seymour's Discovery: Seymour discovers the strange and unusual plant during a total eclipse. This event marks the turning point in his life, setting him on a path that will lead to both success and destruction.

• "Grow For Me": Seymour sings to Audrey II, desperately trying to figure out how to keep it alive. This song introduces the plant's unusual dietary needs and foreshadows the dark secret that Seymour will soon uncover.

• The Shop's Transformation: As Audrey II grows, the flower shop becomes increasingly popular, attracting customers from all over the city. This scene highlights the seductive power of success and the allure of the American Dream.

• "Somewhere That's Green": Audrey sings about her dreams of a perfect suburban life, revealing her vulnerability and her longing for a stable and loving relationship.

• Orin's Abuse: Orin's abusive behavior towards Audrey is revealed, showcasing the cycle of violence and the challenges that she faces in escaping her situation.

• "Dentist!": Orin's over-the-top song showcases his sadistic personality and his love of inflicting pain.

• Audrey II's Demands: Audrey II reveals its true nature to Seymour, demanding that he feed it human blood in exchange for continued success. This marks the moral turning point for Seymour, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.

Act II:

• Seymour's Dilemma: Seymour struggles with his conscience, torn between his desire for fame and fortune and his growing guilt over Audrey II's victims.

• "Feed Me (Git It)": Audrey II manipulates Seymour into feeding it Orin, highlighting the plant's cunning and its ability to exploit Seymour's weaknesses.

• Audrey's Growing Affection: Audrey begins to reciprocate Seymour's feelings, unaware of the dark secret that he is hiding.

• Mr. Mushnik's Suspicions: Mr. Mushnik becomes suspicious of Seymour's success and his connection to Audrey II.

• "Mushnik and Son": Mr. Mushnik attempts to adopt Seymour, hoping to secure his financial future.

• Audrey II's Global Domination: Audrey II continues to grow, attracting attention from scientists and the media. The script highlights the plant's potential for global domination, raising the stakes and foreshadowing the apocalyptic climax.

• Audrey's Confession: Audrey confesses her feelings for Seymour, leading to a moment of genuine connection between them.

• Audrey II's Attack: Audrey II attacks Audrey, forcing Seymour to make a difficult choice.

• The Final Confrontation: Seymour confronts Audrey II, determined to destroy the plant and save the world.

• Alternate Endings: The script offers two different endings: the original off-Broadway ending, in which Audrey II triumphs and consumes Seymour and Audrey, and the revised ending, in which Seymour defeats Audrey II and saves the day. The choice of ending depends on the director's interpretation of the story and the desired message.

Themes that Sprout: Exploring the Deeper Meanings

Beyond its comedic exterior, "Little Shop of Horrors" explores a number of important themes.

• The American Dream: The show satirizes the pursuit of the American Dream, highlighting the corrupting influence of greed and the lengths to which people will go to achieve success. Seymour's rise to fame and fortune comes at a terrible cost, illustrating the dangers of sacrificing one's values in pursuit of material wealth.

• Social Commentary: The script offers commentary on social issues such as poverty, domestic violence, and the exploitation of the working class. The setting of Skid Row serves as a stark reminder of the inequalities that exist in society.

• Moral Responsibility: The show raises questions about moral responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. Seymour's choices have a ripple effect, impacting the lives of those around him and ultimately leading to a catastrophic outcome.

• Good vs. Evil: The conflict between Seymour and Audrey II represents the classic struggle between good and evil. Seymour's initial naiveté makes him vulnerable to Audrey II's manipulation, but he ultimately finds the strength to resist the plant's influence and fight for what is right.

• Love and Sacrifice: The relationship between Seymour and Audrey is a central element of the story, highlighting the power of love and the willingness to sacrifice for others. Their love story is both heartwarming and tragic, illustrating the complexities of human relationships.

Decoding the Dialogue: Wit and Wordplay

Ashman's script is filled with clever dialogue, witty puns, and memorable one-liners. The characters' voices are distinct and believable, reflecting their personalities and their social backgrounds. The dialogue is also used to advance the plot, reveal character motivations, and provide comedic relief.

Examples of the script's wit and wordplay include:

• Audrey's malapropisms, such as referring to a black eye as a "ruptured disc."
• Orin's over-the-top pronouncements, such as "I am a dentist, and a success."
• Audrey II's manipulative lines, such as "Feed me, Seymour."
• The Urchins' sassy commentary, such as "He's a hero, and he's got the goods."

The Music's Bite: How Lyrics Enhance the Story

Alan Menken's score is an integral part of the show's success, perfectly complementing Ashman's lyrics and adding depth and emotion to the story. The songs are not just catchy tunes; they are carefully crafted pieces that advance the plot, reveal character motivations, and enhance the themes of the show.

Examples of how the lyrics enhance the story include:

• "Little Shop of Horrors" establishes the setting and introduces the characters.
• "Grow For Me" reveals Seymour's desperation and his growing connection to Audrey II.
• "Somewhere That's Green" expresses Audrey's dreams and her longing for a better life.
• "Feed Me (Git It)" showcases Audrey II's manipulative power and Seymour's moral dilemma.
• "Suddenly, Seymour" celebrates the blossoming love between Seymour and Audrey.

Little Shop's Legacy: Enduring Appeal

"Little Shop of Horrors" has enjoyed enduring popularity for several reasons:

• Relatable Characters: The characters are flawed and relatable, making them easy to root for (or root against).
• Catchy Music: The score is infectious and memorable, with a variety of musical styles that appeal to a wide audience.
• Dark Humor: The show's dark humor is both funny and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on societal issues.
• Universal Themes: The themes of love, greed, and moral responsibility are universal and timeless, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
• Adaptability: The show has been adapted for various mediums, including film, television, and radio, further expanding its reach and solidifying its place in popular culture.

From Page to Stage: Bringing the Script to Life

The script of "Little Shop of Horrors" provides a solid foundation for a successful production, but it is up to the director, actors, and designers to bring the story to life. The director must interpret the script and guide the actors in their performances. The actors must embody the characters and deliver the dialogue and lyrics with conviction. The designers must create a visual world that supports the story and enhances the audience's experience.

Key elements in bringing the script to life include:

• Casting: Casting the right actors is crucial to the success of the production. The actors must be able to sing, act, and embody the characters' personalities.
• Directing: The director must have a clear vision for the show and be able to communicate that vision to the cast and crew.
• Set Design: The set design must create a believable and immersive environment for the story to unfold.
• Costume Design: The costumes must reflect the characters' personalities and their social backgrounds.
• Puppetry: Audrey II is a puppet, and its design and operation are crucial to the success of the show. The puppeteer must be able to bring the plant to life and make it a believable character.
• Musical Direction: The musical director must ensure that the actors are well-rehearsed and that the music is performed to a high standard.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tale

The script of "Little Shop of Horrors" is a testament to the power of storytelling. It is a witty, poignant, and thought-provoking work that continues to entertain and engage audiences around the world. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters, its catchy music, and its exploration of universal themes. From its humble beginnings as a low-budget film to its current status as a theatrical phenomenon, "Little Shop of Horrors" has proven its ability to captivate and inspire. By unpacking the script, we gain a deeper appreciation for the genius behind this beloved musical and its enduring legacy. It reminds us that even in the darkest of stories, there's always room for humor, heart, and a little bit of hope (even if that hope comes with a carnivorous plant attached).