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La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment starts the 2026/2027 season with the undeniable fan favorite “Little Shop of Horrors”. A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” has devoured the hearts of theatergoers for over 40 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. Musical direction by Jennifer Lin. Choreography by Clarice Ordaz. Direction by Michael Matthews.
Down-and-out floral assistant Seymour Krelborn (Thomas Hobson) works for uptight Mr. Mushnik (Jay Brian Winnick) in the decrepit flower shop on skid row. While timid Seymour is secretly in love with his soft-spoken co-worker Audrey (Grace Stockdale), she is locked into an abusive relationship with black leather jacket wearing and motorcycle riding sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello (Travis Joe Dixon). Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood.
Soon Audrey II (voiced by Wilkie Ferguson III and puppeteer by Betsy Zajko) grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its insatiable appetite. Soulful doo-wop street urchin trio Crystal (Joslynn Cortes), Ronnette (Janaya Mahealani Jones), and Chiffon (Marisa Moenho) narrate the action that unfolds.
“Little Shop of Horrors” flourishes with colorful characters, an eerie setting, and rockabilly Motown funk. Feast your senses and get caught in the vines of rhythmic beats and catchy melodies. Grace Stockdale as Audrey pours out the internal strive for an impossible dream in her rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green” and duet with Thomas Hobson in “Suddenly, Seymour”. Jay Brian Winnick as Mr. Mushnik provides a Nathan Lane-like performance that breathes a refreshing and respectable take on the character.
The doo-wop trio stand out with distinctive potency. Travis Joe Dixon retains over-the-top energetic levels of hilarity branching out in various roles beyond the savage dental hygienist. Audrey II stomps with commanding authority in the signature “Feed Me (Git It)” nourishing the forbidden fruit to gain fame and fortune. A wildly fun “do-romp” perfect for setting the mood stepping into the Halloween season.
Many audiences will fondly reminisce “Little Shop of Horrors” from the 1986 movie musical starring Rick Moranis, the off-Broadway original and current revival, and countless regional, community, and high school productions. Regardless of its wild popularity, seeing and hearing the show will never get tired, especially with draw of the man-eating plant itself. But did you know La Mirada Theatre has an even deeper connection to “Little Shop of Horrors” by way of its original source material?
While the musical is based on Roger Corman’s 1960 dark comedy/horror film of the same name, an original musical made its debut at La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts based on another one of that film director’s movies. “Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today?” performed March 16 – April 2, 2023 based on Roger Corman’s 1959 dark comedy/horror film “A Bucket of Blood”. Book, music, and lyrics by Randy Rogel of Animaniacs fame. Featuring a struggling beatnik waiter in San Francisco who finds fame with his macabre sculptures. It’s a show that should not be forgotten and worth revisiting.
“Little Shop of Horrors” blooms at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in a limited window from September 18 until October 11, 2026. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. Talkbacks with cast and creative team will be after performances on Thursdays September 24 and October 8. Open-captioned performance on Saturday, October 3 at 2 pm. For more information including ticket sales, visit www.lamiradatheatre.com or call the box office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.
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