When Was Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway?
Hello there, theatre enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Broadway history to explore the timeline of a classic musical that's left audiences screaming for more – Little Shop of Horrors. So, grab a seat, and let's travel back in time to find out when was Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and when was little shop of horrors on broadway.
The Birth of a Cult Classic
Before we hit the Great White Way, let's rewind to the humble beginnings of this monstrously successful musical. Little Shop of Horrors was first conceived as a short film by writer Charles B. Griffith and director Roger Corman in 1960. The film was a low-budget horror comedy that told the tale of a man-eating plant named Audrey II.
Fast forward to 1982, when composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman transformed the film into a one-act musical for a workshop at the WPA Theatre in New York City. The musical was a hit, and it wasn't long before Little Shop of Horrors found its way to Broadway.
The Original Broadway Run (1982-1987)
On November 1, 1982, Little Shop of Horrors made its Broadway debut at the Orpheum Theatre. The musical, directed by Howard Ashman and choreographed by Edie Cowan, was an instant sensation. With its catchy tunes, hilarious humor, and lovable monsters, it quickly became a cult classic.
The original Broadway cast included Lee Wilkof as Seymour Krelborn, Ellen Greene as Audrey, and a talking, singing, and growing Audrey II, voiced by Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops. The musical was nominated for numerous awards, winning the 1983 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and running for an impressive 5,041 performances – a feat that still stands as one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows.
The Revival (2003)
After its initial success, Little Shop of Horrors went on to become a staple in regional theatre and schools across the country. But Broadway fans were eager for more. In 2003, the musical returned to the Great White Way for a limited engagement at the Virginia Theatre.
The revival, directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, featured a star-studded cast, including Hunter Foster as Seymour, Kerry Butler as Audrey, and Patrick Page as the voice of Audrey II. While the revival only ran for 312 performances, it was a welcome return for fans of the original production.
The 2023 Broadway Revival
In 2023, Little Shop of Horrors is set to return to Broadway once again, this time at the Westside Theatre. The new production, directed by Michael Mayer, will feature an updated book by original co-writer Howard Ashman and new orchestrations by Tom Kitt. The cast includes Jonathan Groff as Seymour, Christian Borle as Orin Scrivello, and Tammy Blanchard as Audrey.
Why Does Little Shop of Horrors Endure?
So, when was Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway, you ask? Well, it's been gracing the stages of the Great White Way since 1982, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. The musical's enduring popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of horror, comedy, and heart, as well as its timeless themes of love, ambition, and the consequences of our actions.
Whether you're a fan of the original production, the revival, or the upcoming 2023 Broadway revival, there's no denying that Little Shop of Horrors is a musical monster that's here to stay. So, feed the plant, feed the plant, feed the plant – and enjoy the show!