Tragi-comic musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ opens

at the Playhouse.

An exotic plant with an unusual appetite is the centerpiece of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” a rather atypical love story.

Bainbridge Performing Arts puts its spin on the beguiling story to open its 49th season at the Playhouse beginning Thursday.

In this triangle, Seymour (Tim Davidson) falls in love with Audrey (Colleen Gillon), who has a boyfriend. Seymour makes a pact with a tiny plant to win Audrey’s heart. But this is no ordinary plant and it doesn’t stay tiny for long.

To further spice things up, BPA and director Teresa Thuman have added some dimensions not found in the original adaptation.

What originally was a “pretty small cast show” has blossomed into a larger ensemble and more staging area here, said Thuman, who directed BPA’s production of “Kiss Me, Kate” last spring.

“Opening it up to another 10 or 12 people gives me the opportunity to expand,” she said.

“Little Shop of Horrors” – book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and music by Alan Menken – is based on the 1960 low-budget film of the same name by Roger Corman. The musical played off-Broadway in 1982. The popular film version with Steve Martin and Rick Moranis led to a Broadway opening.

The BPA’s rendition is “completely different from the movie,” Thuman said. “We’re in the final stages of bringing together all the elements…the technical aspects, the puppetry and other gadgets and gizmos.”

Having more actors also means Thuman is faced with making sure they’re used effectively.

“It’s equal parts exhilarating and exhausting,” said Thuman. “Everybody has come together,” she said. “They’re just terrific and give so much. They really anchor the production.”

Thuman has been directing full time for the past two years. “I’m getting a lot of musicals these days,” she said.

“Little Shop of Horrors” features musical direction by Karen Harp-Reed, choreography by BryAnn Bingham and technical direction by Mark Sell. Other notables include costume designer Shannin Strom, plant puppeteer Susan Bielka and plant advisor Ken Michel.

“It’s kind of hard not to fall in love with the plant,” Thuman said. “It’s really a delight.”

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Plant food

Bainbridge Performing Arts’ 49th season begins with the lively musical “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Playhouse. A Pay-What-You-Can-Preview will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. Regular performances start Oct. 7.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays, though Oct. 30.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9 for students. They are available at the Playhouse, 200 Madison Ave. N. or by calling 842-8569. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and one hour prior to each performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.theplayhouse.org.