Studio Tenn Little Shop of Horrors

Alan Menken and Howard Ashman are probably best known as the creative force behind Disney’s animation renaissance. But even before churning out unforgettable hits like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, this dynamic duo gifted the musical theater world with an instant classic called Little Shop of Horrors.

Premiering off-off-Broadway in 1982, this quirky musical about a man-eating plant immediately took off – transferring to the Orpheum Theatre off-Broadway, where it broke box-office records and ran for more than five years. Since then, it’s been revisited many times – from the 1986 film starring Rick Moranis to the 2003 Broadway production that was considered a “revival” at the Tony Awards, despite the fact that it marked the musical’s Broadway debut. The current off-Broadway revival just recently marked its fifth year at the Westside Theatre, and it’s a perennial favorite among regional and community players.

But whether you know the story by heart or are experiencing it for the very first time, Studio Tenn’s current staging provides a particularly tasty treat. Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy has gathered a marvelous ensemble that includes both new and familiar talent. New York-based actor JP Coletta anchors the piece as the lovable flower shop clerk Seymour, demonstrating sharp comic timing and strong vocals. Savannah Stein offers another notable Studio Tenn debut as Seymour’s secret crush Audrey, punctuating her lines with sweet Kewpie doll looks and giving a wonderfully wistful take on “Somewhere That’s Green.” She and Coletta share a nice chemistry, and together they deliver an especially tender rendition of “Suddenly, Seymour.”

Meanwhile, Brian Michael Jones is delightfully demented as Audrey’s “semi-sadist” boyfriend, Dr. Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. Jones is terrific in “Dentist!,” but also earns big laughs with a quick succession of goofy characters in Act II. Matthew Carlton is picture-perfect as Mr. Mushnik, making the most of comic bits like “Closed for Renovation” and “Mushnik and Son.” And you’d be hard-pressed to find a more glorious group of street urchins than Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, Meggan Utech and Maya Antoinette Riley. Serving as a gritty Greek chorus of sorts (and executing Anna Perry’s clever choreography with style), this brilliant trio balances cheeky commentary with smooth harmonies and plenty of attitude.

And then there’s Audrey II – the wise-cracking, blood-thirsty plant that’s bent on world domination. Garyon Judon is superb in the role, his velvety voice ringing out in numbers like “Feed Me (Git It)” and “Suppertime.” Puppeteer Jonah M. Jackson also deserves mention for providing the plant’s unearthly moves. (And kudos to designers Martin P. Robinson, Nicholas Mahon and Monkey Boys Productions – the same team responsible for the amazing Audrey II puppets currently appearing in the off-Broadway production.)

Matt Logan’s revolving set is beautifully detailed – from the frosted glass windows of Mushnik’s Flower Shop to the dingy decay of Skid Row. And there’s a nifty silhouetted skyline (lit by Michael Barnett) that helps set the tone for each scene. Logan also designed the fabulous costumes, and I really appreciated the evolving fashions for the urchins.

But it all comes back to Menken and Ashman’s iconic songs. And in the capable hands of music director Randy Craft and his crackerjack orchestra, they soar here. As the company reminds us in the show’s final number, “Don’t Feed the Plants.” However, if you’re looking for a great evening of musical theater that feeds the soul, audiences need look no further than Studio Tenn’s richly satisfying Little Shop of Horrors.

Little Shop of Horrors continues through Oct. 27 at The Turner Theater, at the Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd. To learn more, visit studiotenn.com/little-shop-of-horrors.