Skyline High School Theatre opens “Little Shop of Horrors” Friday, Nov. 13, for a three-performance run at the school’s auditorium in Ann Arbor.
The dark-comedy musical is theater director Kristine Stephens’ favorite show, according to an Ann Arbor Public Schools announcement. Stephens praised writer Howard Ashman’s ability to quickly establish an emotional connection between audiences and the central characters, Seymour and Audrey.
“As outlandish as the show’s premise is, the motives and relationships of the characters are completely believable,” Stephens said. “Alan Menken’s music supports every moment and is extremely catchy.”
The musical, written by Ashman with music by Menken, premiered off-off-Broadway in 1982. Director Frank Oz turned it into a 1986 movie. The score draws on 1960s rock and roll, rhythm and blues and Motown-style music.
The production’s design draws on the black-and-white film that inspired the musical, according to AAPS. The announcement also notes differences between the stage and movie versions.
Students were excited when the title was announced, Stephens said.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Skyline Theatre Auditorium, 2552 N. Maple Road. Tickets are available online or at the door 30 minutes before showtime.
Upcoming community events:
- “Little Shop of Horrors” at Skyline High School, Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 15.
