Little Shop of Horrors at Center Stage Theater

Need a break from reality? Take a trip out of this world with Lights Up! as they kick start their seventh season with two smash-hit, world-renowned musicals! From the creative geniuses Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin), Santa Barbara’s premiere teen theatre company is delighted to present Little Shop of Horrors! Join Lights Up! for a sci-fi horror comedy, love story and rock musical that has become one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theatre. Coming December 5-8th to the Center Stage Theater, this is one show you won’t want to miss!

Little Shop of Horrors is the hilariously campy story of down-on-his-luck Seymour Krelborn, a timid floral assistant, who lives downtown on Skid Row. Constantly berated by his boss, Mr. Mushnik, and longing to be noticed by his beautiful co-worker, Audrey, Seymour discovers a mysterious new plant in town. Aptly naming it Audrey II, Seymour takes the plant back to his run-down flower shop. As Seymour discovers his plant’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward world domination, he learns the lesson: “Don’t feed the plants!”

Director, Amy Love, states, “Rocking out in rehearsal to the doo-wop and early Motown songs fueled the process of creating a delicate balance between spoof and sincerity with so much joy. Our blended cast of veterans and newer actors have loved connecting to the heartfelt core of the story, while going for new heights (and depths) in the horror and camp genre. A unique aspect of this production is the opportunity to explore the craft of puppetry; we’ve had the privilege of working with some beautiful professional puppets created by a local artist, and I'll leave it at that - no spoilers! Something else that’s different for us is mounting a musical in the smaller space at Center Stage Theater. I love working at this theater, and the intimacy of the space has germinated some creative staging for a show of this size.

When you take a diabolical plot to take over the world, true love blossoming between a downtrodden orphan and a hard luck case, and throw in a deal with the devil; you’ve got a glorious mash-up of campy sci-fi, horror and romance that’s got something for everyone. We’ve been wanting to do this show for several seasons, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to produce this beloved staple of musical theater.”

Coming up next in early Spring is Lights Up! Theatre Company’s production of the groundbreaking musical production, Hadestown: Teen Edition, at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. A show that Newsday calls, “Achingly beautiful, thought-provoking, powerful and prophetic.” We can't wait to see you there.

Little Shop of Horrors opens at Center Stage Theater on Thursday, December 5th, and runs through Sunday, December 8th. Ticket prices: Students/Seniors $25, General Admission $38, and VIP $65 (includes premier seating, swag bag and a free show video link).