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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Musical Film

Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy rock musical about a florist's assistant and a carnivorous plant. It premiered off-Broadway in 1982 and became a cult favourite.

What it is

Little Shop of Horrors blends horror, comedy, and rock music. The story follows Seymour Krelborn, a poor florist assistant, who discovers a strange plant named Audrey II. The plant brings success to the shop but demands human blood and flesh, leading Seymour into dark choices.

Key details

The musical was created by Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (book and lyrics), premiering off-Broadway in 1982. It is loosely based on the 1960 film The Little Shop of Horrors. A 1986 film adaptation was directed by Frank Oz, with several stage cast members reprising their roles.

Why it matters

The show remains a popular title in amateur, school, and professional theatre, including regular productions in Canada. Its catchy songs, dark humour, and memorable plant character have made it a long-running cult favourite.

In short

  • Horror-comedy rock musical premiered off-Broadway in 1982.
  • Created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
  • Based on the 1960 film The Little Shop of Horrors.
  • Adapted into a 1986 film directed by Frank Oz.
Canadian angle

The musical is regularly staged by Canadian schools, community theatres, and professional companies, and it remains a well-known title in English-language musical theatre programming.

Quick questions

What is Little Shop of Horrors?
It is a horror-comedy rock musical about a florist assistant and a carnivorous plant named Audrey II.
Who created the musical?
Alan Menken composed the music, and Howard Ashman wrote the book and lyrics.
Was there a film version?
Yes. A 1986 film adaptation was directed by Frank Oz.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors_(musical)
    Supports: Musical genre, creators, plot, basis, and 1986 film adaptation
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors_(1986_film)
    Supports: 1986 film adaptation, director, and relationship to the musical
  3. Playbill — https://playbill.com/article/the-screening-room-looking-back-at-little-shop-of-horrors-throughout-the-years-video-com-210181
    Supports: Origins, off-Broadway premiere, and adaptation history
  4. Muppet Wiki — https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors
    Supports: Off-Broadway debut and 1986 film adaptation details