The Blood-Sucking Truth: 7 Shocking Secrets Of The Little Shop Of Horrors Off-Broadway Revival (2025 Cast Revealed!)
The enduring, dark comedy rock musical, Little Shop of Horrors, continues its triumphant, star-studded run in New York City, proving that the appetite for a bloodthirsty plant and a hapless florist is stronger than ever. As of this December 2025 update, the Off-Broadway revival at the Westside Theatre remains one of the hottest tickets in town, consistently rotating a cast of major Hollywood and Broadway talent, keeping the cult classic fresh and drawing new audiences to the macabre tale of Seymour Krelborn and his carnivorous companion, Audrey II.
The current production is a massive hit, celebrated for returning the show to its intimate Off-Broadway roots, where it first premiered in 1982. This revival has become a phenomenon, not just for its faithful staging of the beloved Alan Menken and Howard Ashman score, but for its ability to continuously inject new energy through high-profile stars, making every performance a unique, must-see event for both dedicated theatregoers and pop culture fans.
Meet the 2025 Star-Powered Cast: Full Biography Profile
The secret to the revival's longevity and buzz lies in its revolving door of celebrity talent. For the 2025 season, the show welcomes a slate of acclaimed actors who bring massive star power and fresh interpretations to the roles of Seymour, Audrey, and the sadistic dentist, Dr. Orin Scrivello D.D.S. Here is a look at the current major players:
Joshua Bassett as Seymour Krelborn
- Date of Birth: December 22, 2000
- Career Highlights: Bassett is an Emmy-Award winning American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is best known globally for his breakout role as Ricky Bowen in the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
- Notable Roles: Starred in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle. His casting in Little Shop marks his highly-anticipated New York stage debut, bringing a massive following of young fans to the Westside Theatre.
Joy Woods as Audrey
- Career Highlights: Woods is a highly-praised American actress and singer, known for her powerful stage presence. She is a recent Tony Award nominee for her work in the 2024 revival of Gypsy.
- Notable Roles: Originated the role of Middle Allie in the Broadway adaptation of The Notebook. She also made her Broadway debut as Catherine Parr in the hit musical Six, and notably, this is a return for Woods, who made her professional debut at 19 as Chiffon in the 2019 Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Andrew Durand as Dr. Orin Scrivello D.D.S.
- Career Highlights: A seasoned Broadway veteran and Tony Award nominee, Durand is celebrated for his comedic timing and versatility.
- Notable Roles: Received a 2025 Tony Award nomination for his performance in the musical Dead Outlaw. He is also known for originating the role of Gordy in the Tony-nominated musical Shucked, as well as roles in Ink, Head Over Heels, and War Horse.
7 Shocking Secrets and Fun Facts That Define the Cult Classic
While the current cast is drawing headlines, the enduring appeal of Little Shop of Horrors lies in its fascinating history and the dark, satirical genius of its creators, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Here are seven deep-cut facts that solidify its status as a timeless cult favorite.
1. The Show’s Origin is a 1960 B-Movie
The musical is loosely based on a low-budget, 1960 black comedy horror film directed by Roger Corman. The original film was famously shot in just two days on leftover sets, giving the musical its distinct, quirky, and fast-paced B-movie aesthetic.
2. The Original Ending Was Too Dark for Broadway
In the original Off-Broadway staging and the 1986 film, Seymour and Audrey are eaten by Audrey II, and the plant grows to monstrous size, taking over the world. This dark, satirical ending was deemed too bleak for the 1986 movie's test audiences, leading to the film's famous, happier (but less faithful) reshoot. The current Off-Broadway revival, however, proudly restores the original, more nihilistic ending, honoring the creators' original vision.
3. Audrey II is Operated by a Team of Puppeteers
The menacing plant, Audrey II, is not a single prop but a series of increasingly large puppets, requiring a team of highly skilled, often unseen, puppeteers to bring the creature to life. The final, massive plant requires multiple operators to control its gaping maw and vine-like appendages. The voice of Audrey II is always provided by a separate actor, typically a powerful baritone or bass, who is never seen on stage.
4. The Music is a Motown-Fueled Time Capsule
The score, penned by Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics), is a brilliant pastiche of 1960s musical styles, drawing heavily on early rock and roll, doo-wop, and Motown. Songs like "Skid Row (Downtown)," "Suddenly, Seymour," and "Feed Me (Git It)" are instantly recognizable and are sung by a Greek chorus of three female characters named Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette—a direct nod to 1960s girl groups.
5. The Revival is Directed by a Tony Winner
The current, acclaimed Off-Broadway production is helmed by the award-winning director Michael Mayer, known for his work on major Broadway hits like Spring Awakening and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His direction is credited with keeping the revival fresh while maintaining the show's original, intimate, and darkly humorous tone at the Westside Theatre.
6. The Show Launched the Career of a Tony Nominee (Twice!)
The role of Audrey has historically been a launching pad for future stars. Tony nominee Joy Woods, the current Audrey, actually made her professional debut in the same production as one of the Urchins (Chiffon) before returning to take the lead. This highlights the show's role as a springboard for young talent.
7. The Musical Was Menken and Ashman’s Second Collaboration
Before becoming the legendary Disney songwriting duo behind classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors was only the second collaboration between Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Its success established their partnership, paving the way for their iconic work that would define the Disney Renaissance.
Why the Off-Broadway Revival Endures
The current run of Little Shop of Horrors is more than just a nostalgia trip; it is a masterclass in musical theatre. Its enduring appeal lies in its perfect blend of genres: it’s a horror comedy, a rock musical, and a cautionary tale all in one. The show manages to be hilarious and genuinely unsettling simultaneously, exploring themes of greed, ambition, and the Faustian bargain.
By casting a rotating roster of major stars like Joshua Bassett and Joy Woods, the production keeps the conversation alive, ensuring that a new generation discovers the genius of Menken and Ashman. The intimate setting of the Westside Theatre is the perfect venue for this musical, allowing the audience to feel the claustrophobia and desperation of Skid Row, making the experience—and Audrey II's growing hunger—feel all the more real.
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