Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies are set to star as the new leads in the much-loved Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors. Starting February 25, 2025, Gillies will take on the role of Audrey, and Manheim will portray Seymour at the Westside Theatre, taking over from acclaimed actors Sherie Rene Scott and Nicholas Christopher, whose final performances are slated for February 23.
The musical has been running at the Westside Theatre since its opening night back on October 17, 2019, offering audiences a blend of humor, horror, and memorable music. The story follows Seymour, a florist with aspirations who discovers a carnivorous plant, plunging both him and Audrey, the object of his affection, deep within chaos and comical calamity.
Elizabeth Gillies returns to the New York stage for the first time in over 16 years. Known for her standout roles on Nickelodeon's Victorious and the CW's reboot of Dynasty, Gillies also has experience on Broadway; she made her debut at the age of 15 with 13: The Musical. Gillies expressed her excitement, stating, "I’m thrilled to join this incredible production of Little Shop of Horrors and share the stage with such talented performers."
On the other hand, Milo Manheim, renowned for his role as Zed in Disney's Zombies franchise, will be making his New York musical debut. Manheim previously starred in the Deaf West production of American Idiot and expressed his passion for the role, saying, "This is my dream role, and I can't wait to bring Seymour to life for NYC audiences!"
Alongside them, Jeremy Kushnier will join the cast as Dr. Orin Scrivello, DDS. He brings experience from shows like Footloose and Jesus Christ Superstar, adding to the excitement surrounding the anticipated performances. The rest of the ensemble features familiar faces, including Reg Rogers as Mushnik, Major Attaway as the voice of Audrey II, and many more.
Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by Grammy and Oscar winner Howard Ashman, has charmed audiences around the world since its debut Off-Broadway in 1982. The show's success is highlighted by its multiple awards, including accolades from the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle, solidifying its status as one of the best musicals of recent years.
The revival is directed by the Tony-winning Michael Mayer, known for his innovative productions and ability to attract new audiences to classic shows. The design team includes noted professionals such as scenic designer Julian Crouch and Tony-winning lighting designer Bradley King, creating immersive atmospheres for the audience.
The production saw its popularity revive following the COVID-19 pandemic, with performances reopening to sold-out crowds eager for live theater. Critics like Peter Marks from the Washington Post have lauded the production, emphasizing the importance of laughter and the musical’s engaging qualities.
With TikTok trends and social media influencing the next generation, Little Shop of Horrors remains relevant and fun, striving for intrigue and enjoyment. From the comic yet terror-filled escapades to the unforgettable tunes, the musical captivates through its absurdity and charm, making this next round of performances unmissable.
With ticket sales already underway, enthusiasts can secure their seats for what promises to be yet another captivating run of Little Shop of Horrors, featuring the talents of Manheim and Gillies. They’ll be performing at the Westside Theatre, which regularly hosts this vibrant production, and provides the perfect intimate setting for the musical’s wild themes and frantic antics.
Join the excitement and witness the revival of this cult favorite as it feeds off the talent of two burgeoning stars, with shows running through to January 2027. What kind of delectable memories could await audiences with the talents of Gillies and Manheim at the helm?