For the first time since 2013, the Indiana Repertory Theatre is bringing a musical back to its stages with the horticultural horror musical, Little Shop of Horrors, presented by Glick Philanthropies. Written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken, this play is the third-longest-running musical and the largest-grossing Off-Broadway production in history. The cult-favorite musical runs April 17 – May 19 on the OneAmerica Mainstage and is directed by IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles and Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna, with choreography by Breon Arzell.
“While the IRT will always focus on great plays old and new, musicals allow us to flex our theatrical muscles in different ways,” Hanna said. “Music is one of the surest ways to penetrate the armor we build in our everyday lives and to open our hearts. Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect way to reintroduce this genre to our stage. It pries our hearts open wide and delivers a sensational story, unforgettable songs, and just the right about of giggle gas.”
The cast and designers consist of national artists and actors, many of whom are making their IRT debuts: Lucy Maria Godinez, Jessy Jackson, Dominique Allen Lawson, Kyle Patrick, Allen Sledge, Tiffany Theona Taylor, and Raquelle Viteri. Ryan Artzberger and Rob Johansen, who have each done more than 50 shows at the IRT, return to the stage, as well.
In addition to the vocals and puppeteering, there will be a live band off-stage for each performance. Notably, the musical director for Little Shop of Horrors, Andrew Bourgoin, has worked on Broadway musically directing Mean Girls and Aladdin.
Also in the Disney realm, playwright-lyricist (and Indiana University alumni) Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken worked for the entertainment leader after creating Little Shop of Horrors and an Off-Broadway musicalization of Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Together they wrote The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and three songs for Aladdin (1992), winning two Golden Globes, two Grammys, and two Oscars for Best Song.
The Theatre will host supplemental programming during the run of the show, including Artist Conversations that provide a behind-the-scenes perspective on the production, a Sensory Friendly performance, an ASL/AD performance, and the special Opening Night Celebration.
Tickets are available now for Little Shop of Horrors, presented by Glick Philanthropies.
DETAILS
WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage
RUN DATES: April 17 – May 19, various times. Little Shop of Horrors, presented by Glick Philanthropies, is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.
TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy now.
