This acclaimed production, honored by the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical Revival in 2020, delivers a captivating experience filled with humor, suspense, and a touch of horror. Lauded as a New York Times Critic's Pick, the show is noted for its outstanding puppetry and distinctive characters.
Audiences follow flower shop employee Seymour as he navigates a whirlwind of chaos sparked by his unusual, insatiably hungry plant, Audrey II. This quirky plant demands more than just your average plant food—it craves human blood! And as it turns out, keeping Audrey II satisfied leads Seymour down a path filled with both hilarity and turmoil as he grapples with the consequences of his decisions. With music that blends doo-wop, rock 'n' roll, and Motown, crafted by the talented duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the show delivers a perfect mix of mysterious allure and dark comedy.
Exploring themes of ambition and consequence, Little Shop of Horrors captivates audiences with its unique storytelling and puppet artistry, crafting a theatrical experience that is both highly entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're laughing, gasping, or questioning your gardening choices, this musical is ideal for those who appreciate inventive performances with a touch of the mysterious.
Set in the eerie world of Skid Row, we meet Seymour Krelborn, a humble flower shop worker who discovers an intriguing plant. Naming it Audrey II after his unattainable crush, Seymour soon realizes that this botanical curiosity has an unusual appetite. Audrey II's relentless need for nourishment is fueled by human blood, creating a dramatic and suspenseful narrative as Seymour grapples with the plant's demands and his own moral dilemmas.
Over time, Audrey II's growth becomes uncontrollable, with its presence becoming increasingly daunting and sinister. Caught between ambition and love, Seymour becomes distanced from those he cherishes, ensnared by the plant's unyielding demands. The story unfolds with suspense as Seymour makes a few morally questionable choices. Will his secrets remain hidden, and can he navigate his ethical dilemmas to find a resolution? Only time (and Audrey II) will tell in this gripping story of choices, repercussions, and the extent to which someone might go to achieve success and admiration.
Yes, the show is running Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre. It continues to captivate audiences with its innovative design and storytelling.
The show first debuted Off-Off-Broadway in 1982 and later moved Off-Broadway to the Orpheum Theatre, where it ran for five years. After several productions both in the U.S. and internationally, the show made its official Broadway debut in 2003. This new production opened Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre in 2019.
The show runs 2 hours, which includes an intermission.
You can catch Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre Upstairs, situated at 407 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036. The theatre, with a capacity of 548 seats, first opened its doors in 1991.
Whether you prefer the more intimate experience of being closer to the stage or favor a comprehensive view from the center, the Westside Theatre is designed to offer a great experience from any seat. However, seats toward the center generally provide the best overall view of the performance.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before the show is recommended, allowing ample time to check your coat, locate your seat, and settle in comfortably.
While there's no strict dress code for Off-Broadway shows, most guests opt for smart casual attire.
In 2025, you can experience the sci-fi smash musical Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre. Since its 1982 premiere and the cult classic film adaptation, the show continues to attract both long-time fans and newcomers. Secure your tickets and enjoy this beloved musical adventure, suitable for the entire family.
The show is recommended for audiences aged 5 and up. However, children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Some younger children might find the puppetry scenes intimidating.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable evening sprinkled with music, laughter, and thrills at Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway. This classic gem tells the quirky tale of a florist shop worker who finds himself caring for a plant with a rather peculiar appetite—it craves human blood, then flesh. As this plant grows in both size and demands, our unlikely hero is faced with increasingly grim choices to keep it thriving. The result? A darkly comic musical that is both hilarious and spine-tingling. With a catchy score created by the genius duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors remains a timeless fan favorite that shouldn't be missed!
The creative team for the latest Off-Broadway rendition of Little Shop of Horrors includes director Michael Mayer, composer Alan Menken, lyricist Howard Ashman, choreographer Ellenore Scott, and scenic designer Julian Crouch.
Little Shop of Horrors draws its inspiration from the classic film by Roger Corman, with a screenplay by Charles Griffith. This production is a darkly comedic tale of a timid floral assistant who cultivates a plant with a monstrous appetite for humans. Currently, this comic thriller is performed Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre Upstairs, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Little Shop of Horrors mixes campy comedy and B-movie horror with a toe-tapping doo-wop score. The story centers around Seymour, a young and determined flower shop assistant, and his exotic plant, Audrey II, a carnivorous creature with a hankering for human flesh.
Yes, Little Shop of Horrors has garnered excellent reviews, with many critics applauding its campy humor, inventive special effects, and remarkable performances.
The show is generally suitable for audiences aged 5 and up, although some younger children might find the puppetry a bit frightening. Little Shop of Horrors is a classic musical that follows a florist shop worker in his effort to rescue his shop from his own creation—a giant alien plant. While it aims to entertain audiences of all ages, it's best if younger children attending are made aware of the puppetry. Overall, it can be an exciting experience for children with vivid imaginations.
Absolutely, Little Shop of Horrors is an excellent choice for large groups sure to please a wide range of audience interests with its quirky characters, distinctive humor, and a lively score featuring early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop, and Motown. The musical’s popularity as a school production also makes it a great choice for student groups. For those looking to enhance the experience, our sister site, Broadway Inbound, not only assists with group ticket bookings but also offers educational workshops designed to deepen students’ understanding of theatre and performance.
Visiting the backstage area is not permitted for audience members at Broadway or Off-Broadway productions. However, the West Side Theatre has transformed its lobbies as an engaging extension of the show with photo areas, informative displays, and artwork inspired by Little Shop of Horrors, so audiences can fully immerse themselves in the production before the curtain even goes up.
To secure the best seats for a Broadway or popular Off-Broadway show, it's advisable to purchase your tickets well in advance. Booking at least three months ahead of the performance date is recommended to increase your chances of getting your preferred seats and ensures you can fully enjoy the magic of live theatre.