Little Shop of Horrors plants itself in Skokie

Music Theater Works presents Little Shop of Horrors as its third production this year. Held in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, this horror-themed musical is well-timed for the Halloween season and opened on October 24.

This macabre story surrounds Mushnik's Flower Shop and a new plant brought by Seymour Krelborn into his workplace. Named Audrey II after Krelborn's co-worker and secret crush this plant starts growing like a weed to eventually take on gargantuan proportions. Audrey II has a thirst for blood and a hunger for meat that becomes insatiable leading to a gruesome ending. Catchy songs and unique characters lighten up the tale thanks to the original creators who sprinkle comedy throughout the script.

The musical debuted in 1982 and is set in the '60s in the Skid Row area of an unnamed city downtown. The material still resonates in 2024 as small businesses continue to struggle and classism runs rampant.

The tunes are accompanied by a live band and a Greek chorus rooted in early Motown. Crystal, Ronette and Chiffon are named after and inspired by girl groups from that time period such as The Crystals, The Ronettes and The Chiffons. China Orr supremely ranks a bit higher from the rest of the pack thanks to louder vocals and delivery from the jump. Michaela Dukes and Kiana Beverly warm up over time and have stronger moments as the musical rolls on.

It's Kalya Shipman's destiny to be part of this cast and she doesn't allow her version of Audrey to stumble into a cartoon caricature.

Hard-working Jimmy Hogan adds subtle nuances and breathes life into Seymour Krelborn while Sam Nachison displays quick-change artist skills while juggling various characters. His costumes are not quite up to par as some of the other performers, but the Urchins excelled in this department ranging from retro to modern styles in a rainbow of colors.

The massive storefront set suits its purpose, although it sometimes crushes a tentacle when lowered, and provides the space for the cast to grow. The crew should be aware that gaps on the side give audience members a backstage view depending on perspective and location.

The Music Theater Works team has cultivated a garden of delights in this rendition of the popular musical. Audrey II bites the hand that feeds almost through Thanksgiving the year and will stir up the appetite of musical theater lovers everywhere until the bitter end.

Little Shop of Horrors pollinates the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. from now until November 17. For tickets visit musictheaterworks.com and remember not to feed the plants while you are there!