FST opens 50th season with musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

I first saw the off-Broadway hit musical “Little Shop of Horrors” on stage at Florida Studio Theatre in 1987, well before countless other local and touring productions would arrive in Sarasota area theaters.

The story of a misfit Skid Row plant shop employee who discovers an unusual man-eating plant is now back at FST to open the company’s 50th season with the innocent sense of playful fun and dark humor of the original, without adding a lot of flash to make it distinctive.

The musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, adapted from a low-budget 1950s Roger Corman film, has an undeniable appeal, particularly the sprightly and catchy songs that capture the doo-wop harmonies and rhythms of the period.

Director Sean Daniels makes sure to hit all the notes, even if they don’t always soar or take you to unexpected places as new productions often can. It’s an enjoyable, engaging and respectful version of the show that may work best for those who haven’t seen it before.

I was hoping to feel a bit more excitement from the performances, but aside from the leading man, Sam Seferian, they only take you so far.

Seferian, a lifelong fan of the show, is an absolute charmer as Seymour Krelborn, the clerk at Mushnik’s flower shop who discovers the unusual man-eating plant after a sudden total eclipse of the sun. He names it Audrey II (in honor of the much-abused co-worker whom he adores) and hides the fact that it demands fresh blood to grow. Audrey II (given voice by the unseen Derrick Cobey), apparently has a plan to conquer the world, but it tries to soothe Seymour's distaste for his tasks by offering him fame, success and riches in return.

Seferian expresses a range of emotions from sweet to devious, nervous and supportive while still being lovable. His affection for his co-worker Audrey (Samantha Duvall), who is barely surviving an abusive relationship with a sadistic dentist, is clear but controlled. Still, he worries she might only like him because of the attention the plant has brought him.

He also is alternately wary and caring about his boss, Mr. Mushnik (Joel Blum), who took Seymour in when he had nothing and gave him a place to work and live, even if this kindness isn’t without ulterior motives.

Duvall has a terrific voice but she doesn’t bring a lot of depth of personality or character, which might add more punch to songs like “Somewhere That’s Green” and the Audrey-Seymour power duet “Suddenly Seymour.” They sound fine but I kept wanting to twist an invisible knob for more. Perhaps it’s the lack of a full-fledged band to support them. Music Director Darren Server is the sole musician accompanying them, along with the trio of Katelyn Bowman, Jameelah Leaundra and Desireé Tolodziecki as the street urchins who serve as a musical Greek chorus.

Blum provides a bit of bluster as Mushnik, who is ready to shut down the “God- and customer-forsaken” shop before Audrey II starts bringing in the sales. He’s good at the anger and angst, but less comfortable with the desperation that Mr. Mushnik must navigate when he tries to adopt Seymour to ensure the success will continue.

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John Gregorio has fun as multiple characters, including agents and winos, and most prominently Dr. Orin Scrivelo, the dentist who delights in beating Audrey and torturing his patients while he gets high on laughing gas.

David Gaztambide is hidden throughout but is a key player as the puppeteer who manipulates the growing versions of Audrey II, making the plant seem real and live and beautifully coordinating with Cobey’s voice coming from elsewhere.

Scenic designers Isabel A. and Moriah Curley-Clay have created an appropriately ramshackle shop, and Harry Nadal’s costumes have the simplicity and trashiness to suit the characters and the 1950s setting. Choreographer Jim Weaver evokes the look of pop groups of the era with his dance moves.

The show, which moves briskly, keeps you involved but there’s always room for something more.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken. Directed by Sean Daniels. Reviewed Nov. 17. Florida Studio Theatre Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. through Jan. 7. Tickets are $29-$49. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ opens Florida Studio Theatre season