Christmas comes early this year, as Skylight Music Theater presents a rousing production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s Little Shop of Horrors. It’s as adorable and clever as can be, and this revival is every bit as good as its first appearance in Skylight’s 2003-2004 season. This time, the show is directed by Artistic Director Michael Unger, making his directorial debut almost two years after joining the company. (No sooner was Unger hired than the pandemic hit; like all performing arts companies, Skylight had to “pivot” and switch to digital theater.)
The Milwaukee production of Little Shop makes its appearance on the heels of Skylight’s The Full Monty, which it staged in late fall. Monty was a runaway hit, created with skill, precision and professionalism. The same traits are evident in Little Shop of Horrors.
For its creators, Little Shop was an early Off-Off-Broadway success in 1982 that quickly transferred to Off-Broadway and then to Broadway itself. The popular songwriting duo then turned to writing memorable scores for animated Disney films, such as “The Little Mermaid.” Their partnership continued until Howard Ashman died tragically in 1991.
Although Little Shop never won a Tony Award (however, it was nominated for one), it has collected many prestigious theater awards over the years. Theatergoers seem to have an unending soft spot for this sad tale of a nerd who raises a man-eating plant. In fact, the musical is currently running Off-Broadway at the Westside Theater.
Milwaukee’s current cast will never erase memories of seeing the legendary Lee Wilkof and Ellen Greene in the main roles, which this reviewer caught at a performance at Greenwich Village’s WPA Theater in 1982. But the local cast does more than hold its own as Kevin James Sievert appears as the sad-sack Seymour, who works in a down-and-out Skid Row flower shop.
The show’s opening number, “Skid Row (Downtown)” is among musical theater’s best, as it defines just how terrible this environment can be. The production number also introduces a trio of girl singers, Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette (Kristen Jeter, Brandite Reed and Raven Dockery), who fill multiple duties throughout the show. Before the song’s final chords, even some of street corner drunks chime in.
The shabby florist shop (set by Brian Prather) is owned by Mr. Mushnik. He’s a Jewish business owner who took a shine to the homeless Seymour many years ago. Mushnik is a key role, and well-known Milwaukee actor David Flores enhances the character’s many qualities.
Mushnik is cagey, bossy and depressed – until, that is, Seymour appears with a weird little plant that shows up under mysterious circumstances. Seymour calls the plant Audrey II, in honor of the young, soft-hearted Audrey, his co-worker and secret crush. In her blonde wig, Ashley Oviedo captures much of the charm one remembers from Ellen Greene in the same role. As she sings, “Somewhere That’s Green,” Oviedo displays a surprisingly powerful voice.
It turns out that Audrey II is good for business, and the flower shop begins to thrive. Soon they are accepting orders to furnish flowers and ferns for Rose Parade floats. Seymour is a hit on local radio and TV shows, and he attracts attention from major talent agencies.
Of course, there’s a catch. Audrey II needs fresh blood to survive, and Seymour is running out of options on how to keep the plant fed. The plant’s first victim is Audrey’s sadistic dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello. On opening night, this role was filled by Chicago-based actor Dan Gold. The audience was never the wiser, as Gold was spot-on in his characterization of the “mad dentist.”
In Act II, the cast launches into the show’s other big song: “Suddenly, Seymour.” Music director David Bonofiglio is also the show’s keyboard artist, and he leads a small but powerful offstage band. Choreographer Lisa Shriver keeps the cast moving briskly to the do-wop, 1950s-style music.
But even as it seems that Seymour and Audrey will ride happily into the sunset, there’s more murder and mayhem in store. Audrey II continues to grow and becomes more demanding about its feeding schedule. Audrey II’s voice is supplied here by Aaron Reese Boseman, and the talented puppeteer is Gabriella Ashlin. They do a splendid job of voicing and animating this increasingly unwieldy plant.
The whole production is done with a great deal of sophisticated fun and laugh-out-loud humor. Little Shop of Horrors still hasn’t worn out its welcome Off-Broadway, and it’s a great choice for holiday entertainment in Milwaukee.
