-Creative Loafing
American Stage Theatre Company is producing Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's hit musical-comedy Little Shop of Horrors during the theatre's 22nd annual production of American Stage in the Park in April 2007.
Bring a blanket and basket and enjoy a picnic or purchase exquisite food and libations at the park from Orange Blossom Catering.
One of the longest-running Off-Broadway monster hits of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has became a household name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney's "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty And The Beast" and "Aladdin". Based on the low-budget cult film by Roger Corman, Little Shop of Horrors opened off-Broadway in 1983, and became the highest-grossing and third longest-running musical in Off-Broadway history, including a celebrated movie in 1987 and a Broadway revival in 2004.
Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour, a down-and-out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon the plant, named Audrey II, grows into an ill-tempered, R&B singing carnivore who offers Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!
"As we continue to evolve this fun spring tradition of theatre under the stars, we're so excited about being able to offer Little Shop of Horrors to bay-area audiences," said Todd Olson, American Stage producing artistic director. "Adults and kids alike love this rock-n-roll, sci-fi musical and it's just the kind of outdoor experience we've always wanted for the Park."
Extended thru May 6