Posted on Friday, April 10, 2026
How far would you go to achieve your dreams? In next week’s LC Musical Theatre production “Little Shop of Horrors,” meet Seymour Krelborn, a meek florist’s assistant, who gets a shot at fortune and fame—and at Audrey, the girl of his dreams—but will he sacrifice everything to get what he wants? That’s where Audrey II, a plant with a big personality and a ravenous appetite, enters his life.
“This is a cautionary tale told with tongue-in-cheek wit about the corrupting influence of power,” says D.J. Grooms ’13, guest director and choreographer of the production. “It reminds us to be wary of easy solutions and to consider the consequences of our choices: ‘Don't Feed the Plants.’”
The origins of “Little Shop of Horrors” began with the 1960 Roger Corman film that featured Jack Nicholson, according to Grooms.
“Alan Menken and Howard Ashman expanded on the film’s story, added a score and developed the characters further,” he says. “The 1986 live action movie adaptation that starred Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene was based on the version of the musical.”
LC’s cast includes seniors Aria Mabry and Jackie Morman as Audrey and Seymour, respectively. Taking the stage alongside his son Jackie will be alumnus Jack Morman Jr. ’89 M’95, who will perform the role of Mr. Mushnik. Additional guest performers include Musical Theatre alum Ethan McKie ’23 as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. and Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, making his Price Theater debut as Audrey II the mighty voice of the plant.
Mabry describes Audrey as the perfect damsel in distress.
“She has been used and abused by a number of men who don’t deserve her,” Mabry says. “She dreams of a life with Seymour, but she doesn’t find herself worthy enough to be with him.”
Lacking in confidence, Jackie says his character Seymour struggles to make his affection known to Audrey.
“Seymour is a down on his luck, orphaned, flower shop worker who just can’t seem to find his way in the world,” Morman says. “He’s a well-intentioned, awkward character who does everything he can to please everyone.”
He stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” (after his crush), and the fun begins. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune as long as Seymour keeps feeding it, and Audrey II’s menu is diabolical.
“Audrey II is a manipulative monster who only thinks about itself,” Dr. Head says. “It has been fun to not be ‘Dr. Head the VP’ and just be another cast member.”
The street urchins Chiffon (Sahara Williams ’29), Crystal (Lydia Kennedy ’29) and Ronette (Aundrea Leaks ’28), function as the Greek chorus offering advice and commenting on the action.
Chiffon is the most reserved urchin of the trio, Williams says.
“Ronette and Crystal are her closest friends and also her only family.”
Kennedy says, “Crystal has the most attitude and isn’t afraid to bring it.”
Mature for her age, Leaks’ Ronette “makes sure business is handled and she is always looking out for her neighbors and fellow urchins on skid row.”
Blending comedy, horror and romance, Grooms says the production is a timeless classic that appeals to a wide audience; however, it is not suggested for children under ten.
“The seductive nature of greed, the pursuit of fame and the dangers of conforming to societal pressures are themes that still resonate with audiences today,” he says. And Ashman and Menken do it with a dark sense of humor and a Motown-inspired rock score.
The show will run April 16-19. The performance time is 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Ticket reservations are made through Eventbrite. The cost is $10 paid at the door for adults and free for LC faculty, staff, and students. Guests are encouraged to ensure they select the appropriate ticket when given the option. Cash and checks are accepted.
Category: Arts and Culture, Community, Events
Keywords: Theatre, Performing Arts
