Feed the need for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about a man-eating plant, featuring the 2003 Broadway orchestrations.
Restrictions May Apply
A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.
The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!
This version of the wildly produced classic features the original libretto we all know and love paired with the 2003 Broadway orchestrations. Companies can even rent the series of large Audrey II puppets directly from MTI.
A Note on Characters and Setting
The descriptions of the set and characters in the front of the libretto vocal book for Little Shop of Horrors were derived from the original 1982 production's Stage Manager's script and are not meant to restrict the way in which licensees stage or cast their productions of the show. Rather, they are an insight into how that production was presented.
In casting your show, an inclusive approach is suggested. While any actor can play any role in the show (i.e., there are no requirements or restrictions other than to perform the book, music and lyrics as written), it is encouraged that the roles of Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon be played by actors of color. There is no such suggestion with regard to any of the other characters, regardless of how those characters have been cast in other productions. The gender of the characters, however, must remain as written in the script.
A Note on the Broadway Version Orchestrations
The orchestrations for Little Shop of Horrors - Broadway Version are from the 2003 Broadway production. Renowned orchestrator, Danny Troob, was brought in to re-orchestrate the show - expanding the original Off-Broadway orchestration from 5 instruments (Keyboard 1, Keyboard 2, Guitar, Bass, and Drums) to 10 instruments (Keyboard 1, Keyboard 2, Reed 1, Reed 2, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitar, Bass, Percussion, and Drums).
Other minor changes made for this version include the following:
New and expanded vocal harmonies for Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon.
Small adjustments in underscoring, playoffs, tags, etc.
The addition of a bridge in the title song, dance music in "Mushnik and Son" and an "Entr'acte"
Alternate keys for several songs
Note: for Orin's songs due to the sizable transpositions made for the Broadway Version, we've also included the original Off-Broadway keys for "Be A Dentist" and "Now (It's Just The Gas)"
Re-numbering of songs (i.e. "#3 - Da Doo" is now song "#3a - Da Doo")
MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.
1 Reed 1 (Clarinet, Tenor Sax), 1 Reed 2 (Flute, Baritone Sax), 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Guitar, 1 Drums/Percussion, 1 Keyboard 2, 1 Electric Bass, 5 Keyboard 1-Conductor Scores. Note: In the REED parts, the Clarinet and Flute only play the first chord at thetop of the piece. These instruments could be eliminated if needed.
