Theatre By The Sea has unleashed the hysterically campy cult classic Little Shop of Horrors on the unsuspecting public. This deviously delicious sci-fi smash musical, with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for decades. Set in the rundown flower shop of Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists, unfortunate floral assistant Seymour Krelborn pines for coworker Audrey, a Skid Row gal who’s also dreamed of a better life. When he stumbles upon a strange ailing plant, Seymour nurses it to health. The mysterious seedling later promises fame, fortune and romance, but at a terrible cost as it grows into a carnivorous plant with devilish intent.
This production of Little Shop of Horrors, skillfully directed and choreographed by husband-and-wife team Bob Richard and Diane Laurenson, with musical direction by Milton Granger, delivers energetic performances, dark humor, catchy musical numbers, and just enough fun horror to keep things delightfully strange. Richard and Laurenson strike that balance beautifully, embracing the retro charm of the piece. Transitions between scenes are smooth, despite the fast pacing, keeping the audience fully engaged in the increasingly bizarre plot. The audience laughs at outrageous violence and over-the-top characters, while sensing the undercurrent of sadness beneath Seymour’s and Audrey’s plight.
The performers flawlessly deliver infectious enthusiasm, embracing ludicrousness while still grounding emotional stakes. Seymour is played with a sweet mixture of awkwardness and sincerity, making his moral collapse tragically funny. His chemistry with Audrey is believable, particularly during the tender “Suddenly, Seymour,” one of the production’s emotional high points.
Meek and unlucky Seymour is exuberantly portrayed by Deon Releford-Lee, delivering a wonderfully unhinged and grippingly entertaining performance, bringing comedic timing, powerhouse vocals, and a delightfully unpredictable energy to the stage. He stands out without overwhelming in this show already bursting with charm, camp and chaos.
The standout feature of the production is without question Audrey II, the man-eating plant whose growth drives the story, soulfully and hungrily voiced by Jaelle Laguerre. Her richly charismatic, seductive voice makes every musical number involving the plant a highlight. As Audrey II evolves from a tiny potted curiosity into a mounting monster, the technical team demonstrates amazing creativity and coordination. Kudos to puppet designer Martin P. Robinson, whose creation is skillfully manned by Dean Hernandez. The puppetry is impressively executed, balancing humor and menace with remarkable precision.
As Audrey, Anna Telfer’s acting and singing is exceptional. Her numbers echo personality, her voice rich with character and confidence, never sacrificing nuance for volume. She captures both the playful rhythm and soulful pulse of the production, portraying Audrey with warmth and vulnerability beneath an exaggerated accent. From the moment she appears, Telfer commands attention. Whether through a perfectly timed reaction, a sly glance or an explosive moment, she deftly navigates the show’s balance between parody and sincerity while maintaining emotional honesty that keeps us invested in the story’s darker themes of abuse, insecurity, and longing. With remarkable versatility, she seamlessly shifts from broad comedic moments to surprising tenderness, possessing the ability to make small moments land with impact rather than simply delivering punchlines. Her chemistry with the entire cast greatly enhances the production, creating scenes that feel energetic, spontaneous, and alive.
The role of Mr. Mushnik, both serious and comical, is played by local icon Fred Sullivan, Jr. with the skill of a true RI theatre veteran. Justin Michael Duval has fun with the role of Orin Scrivello, and demonstrates his incredible versatility by appearing as others.
Right from the get-go, the show establishes a playful rhythm. Sound designer Chad Parsley lets the songs drive the storytelling. The live orchestra gives the production an infectious energy, capturing the score’s blend of rock, doo-wop, and rhythm-and-blues influences. This ensemble maintains strong momentum throughout. The trio of street urchins — Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon — portrayed by Adeera Laini Harris, Myriam Zamy, and Charity Willams, brings Motown-inspired energy, serving as the show’s heartbeat as they deliver sassy vocals and sharp comedic commentary. Their excellent harmonization keeps the audience entertained even during scene changes.
Resident scenic designer Cassie McKnight cleverly captures the grimy charm of Skid Row without overcrowding, transforming the intimate stage into the gritty yet playfully unpredictable world of the flower shop. Rusted storefront details like flickering neon, and inventive lighting by Weston Wilkerson create a space that feels slightly cartoonish, allowing the actors and puppetry to own that spotlight.
“Having always been a fan of the movies, I was aware of Little Shop of Horrors from a very early age,” says TBTS Owner/Producer Bill Hanney. “It began as a black and white film, which was then transformed into a stage musical and a few years later a film adaptation of the musical was made starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene — who originated the role of Audrey on stage — and Steve Martin, who played the sadistic dentist. I love every version of Little Shop and completely understand why it has always been so popular!”
Theatre By The Sea delivers a polished, spirited, and thoroughly entertaining version of Little Shop of Horrors that tributes its cult legacy, leaving audiences exhilarated, slightly horrified, and yet amused, just as intended. This outlandish musical, rooted in absurdity and sincerity, stemmed from eccentricity, succeeds thanks to the multi-talented performers who magnificently bring this beloved and timeless classic to life.
Theatre by the Sea presents Little Shop of Horrors through June 20. For more information, visit theatrebythesea.com