The Guthrie Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors offers a delightful evening of humor, catchy tunes and outstanding performances. Located in downtown Minneapolis, just a 20-minute drive from Eden Prairie, the show offers an exciting escape from the daily grind.

First impressions and attitude

I didn’t have great expectations for my visit to the Guthrie Theater, having never experienced the story or seen the movie. The theater’s reputation for producing great plays certainly piqued my interest, especially since musicals are my favorite form of live entertainment. The Guthrie’s Wurtele Thrust Stage, which extends into the audience, provided an immersive experience and offered great views from every seat in the house.

Plot and pace

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy-rock musical about a mild-mannered flower salesman named Seymour who grows a plant that feeds on human blood. Set in Skid Row, New York, the story deals with themes of greed, love, ambition, and morality. The pacing was perfect, with well-timed breaks between acts that kept me hooked the entire time.

Characters and performances

The character development and portrayal were definite highlights. Each actor seemed perfectly cast and delivered 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 Audrey II plant was another crowd favorite. It sometimes seemed like it took three or four people to maneuver her, which gave her a life of her own. The three chorus girls – Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette – moved the story along beautifully with their phenomenal singing and dancing.

Screenplay and dialogue

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

Production elements

The costumes and makeup were fantastic and supported the story without being distracting. The music and sound design were effective and added perfectly without overshadowing the performances. The attention to detail in the set design was impressive and created a believable and engaging atmosphere.

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 that made the experience even more entertaining.

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Overall experience

I liked the story because it didn’t contain any moralizing or values. It was a sweet story about a man in love who would do anything to get his love returned, with lots of silly twists that made it fun and entertaining. The next day, I found myself singing catchy songs like “Little Shop of Horrors” thanks to the bebop-inspired music that had the audience shaking their heads.

The Guthrie Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors is a nostalgic classic that won’t offend anyone in 2024 and offers a refreshing change from the constant news cycle. The show runs through Sunday, August 18, and I highly recommend seeing it before it ends.

For a light-hearted, entertaining evening (or afternoon), Little Shop of Horrors at the Guthrie Theater is an excellent choice.

Details:

• Duration: About two hours, including a break.
• Age recommendation: Due to the black humor and slightly scary scenes, suitable for children aged 10 and over.
• Notable elements: Motown-inspired bebop hits, immersive stage design and first-class production quality.

Who should see it?

• Young people: You will probably enjoy the humor and musical elements.
• Families: Despite some scenes that may frighten very young children, the show is generally family friendly and there are many families in the audience.
• Music 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: Anyone who knows the film or previous productions will appreciate this interpretation.
• For those looking for fun entertainment: The generally appealing story of love and ambition with many light-hearted moments makes the film perfect for a fun evening.

There is one thing they could improve: Although the overall experience was fantastic, there were moments where some of the male actors were a little difficult to understand. Clearer enunciation would have further enhanced the audience’s enjoyment.

“Little Shop of Horrors”

• Book and texts by Howard Ashman
• Music by Alan Menken
• Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
• Direction and choreography: Marcia Milgrom Dodge

Have a great time and take this chance for a wonderful experience full of fun and laughter at the Guthrie Theater!

Editor’s note: This is the latest edition of Rachel’s Reviews, in which Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) staff writer Rachel Engstrom reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Have ideas for reviews? Contact Rachel Engstrom at [email protected].