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Entertainment • Musical Film

Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. It premiered off-Broadway in 1982 and was adapted into a 1986 film directed by Frank Oz. The story follows a florist’s assistant who discovers a carnivorous plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

Overview

Little Shop of Horrors is a stage musical blending horror, comedy, and rock-and-roll influences. It became known for its catchy songs, dark humour, and the character Audrey II, a sentient plant that drives the plot.

Origins

The musical was developed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman and first staged off-Broadway in 1982. It draws on the 1960 Roger Corman film, while adding a larger score and a more expansive theatrical structure.

Plot

The story follows Seymour, a poor florist assistant, who finds a strange plant that brings success to the shop. The plant’s growing appetite for blood leads Seymour into increasingly dangerous and morally compromising situations.

Adaptations and legacy

In 1986, the musical was adapted into a film directed by Frank Oz, with several cast members reprising their stage roles. The work has remained a popular title in amateur, school, and professional theatre.

Key facts

  • The musical premiered off-Broadway in 1982.
  • It was created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
  • The plot centers on Seymour Krelborn and the plant Audrey II.
  • The musical is loosely based on the 1960 film The Little Shop of Horrors.
  • It was adapted into a 1986 feature film directed by Frank Oz.
  • The show became a long-running cult favourite and has been widely produced.
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Canadian context

The musical is regularly staged by Canadian schools, community theatres, and professional companies, and it remains a well-known title in English-language musical theatre programming.

Frequently asked questions

What is Little Shop of Horrors?
It is a horror-comedy rock musical about a florist assistant and a carnivorous plant named Audrey II.
Who created the musical?
Alan Menken composed the music, and Howard Ashman wrote the book and lyrics.
What was it based on?
It was loosely based on the 1960 film The Little Shop of Horrors.
When did it premiere?
The musical premiered off-Broadway in 1982.
Was there a film version?
Yes. A 1986 film adaptation was directed by Frank Oz.
Who is Audrey II?
Audrey II is the plant at the center of the story, which feeds on blood and flesh.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors_(musical)
    Supports: Musical genre, creators, plot, basis, and 1986 film adaptation
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors_(1986_film)
    Supports: 1986 film adaptation, director, and relationship to the musical
  3. Playbill — https://playbill.com/article/the-screening-room-looking-back-at-little-shop-of-horrors-throughout-the-years-video-com-210181
    Supports: Origins, off-Broadway premiere, and adaptation history
  4. Muppet Wiki — https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors
    Supports: Off-Broadway debut and 1986 film adaptation details