By Myah Schultz

Little Shop of Horrors, playing at the Guthrie Theater through August 18th, is an absolute must see. This production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s beloved cult classic is both fresh and familiar; director Marcia Milgrom Dodge and her talented creative team manage to capture all the creepy camp audiences expect without feeling cookie-cutter. 

Smart directorial choices by Milgrom Dodge and clever costume design by Sully Ratke work in tandem to ratchet up the tension throughout the second act, hinting at the calamitous climax without sacrificing any of the show’s natural hilarity. 

Chris Lutter’s innovative Audrey II puppet design is another production element that really shines. A new take on a classic character, Audrey II may look familiar to anyone who made the trek to Como Conservatory last month to see the Corpse Flower bloom. This sly local reference slipped in by the Guthrie’s creative team is enough to delight those in the know without distracting from the show. 

In addition to excellent technical aspects all around, this production boasts a fantastic cast. Each performer plays their role perfectly, upping the dark whimsy of the show with every line and movement. Erica Durham (Chiffon), Gabrielle Dominique (Crystal), and Vie Boheme (Ronnette) are particular standouts. From the moment they appear, they have us rapt, pulling us into their world with a stranglehold grip and dragging us along to the bitter end, their willing and slightly horrified captives. 

If our spunky Greek chorus is the backbone of the show, then Audrey, played by China Brickey, is the heart. Amongst a cast of characters ranging from morally gray to morally bankrupt, Audrey stands out as the one true innocent. Brickey deftly delivers a perfect tragicomic performance, making us laugh with her stellar comedic timing even as our hearts break for the sweetly earnest woman unable to escape her miserable circumstances. 

If you enjoy horror, comedy, or any combination of the two, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a long-time Little Shop of Horrors devotee, or completely unfamiliar with the piece, this production is sure to thrill you to the bone. Get your tickets today at guthrietheater.org.  

*Production photos by Dan Norman provided by Guthrie Theater