There are shows we like, and then there are shows we never pass up. Little Shop of Horrors is firmly in the second category. It’s one of our family’s favorite tales, and any time we have a chance to see it, we take it.
So when we found ourselves back in New York City, especially this time of year when the city is buzzing and the air has that crisp fall energy, it was a no-brainer. A man-eating plant felt like exactly the right way to spend a spooky-season evening.
If you’ve somehow never heard the story, let me introduce you. Seymour is a sweet, downtrodden flower shop worker on Skid Row who’s hopelessly in love with his coworker Audrey. One day he discovers a strange, unusual plant, and almost overnight it brings his little shop (and Seymour himself) fame and fortune. There’s just one catch. This plant has an appetite, and it doesn’t want fertilizer. Seymour has to decide how far he’ll go for success, for love, and for a way out of Skid Row, while Audrey’s wonderfully terrible boyfriend, Orin the sadistic dentist, complicates everything.
It’s funny, it’s campy, it’s a little gruesome, and underneath it all it has a whole lot of heart.
One of my favorite things about this off-Broadway production is its tradition of rotating in celebrity stars. Seeing different actors put their own spin on these beloved characters is so much fun, and it makes the show worth seeing more than once.
Our night starred Ethan Slater (of Wicked fame) as Seymour, Betsy Wolfe as Audrey, and Claybourne Elder as Orin. And for my Utah readers, I’d love to point out the fact that Claybourne is from the Beehive State.
Ethan was a delight. He absolutely excelled as the lovable, awkward Seymour, and you root for him from his first moment on stage. Betsy took some creative liberties with Audrey, morphing the character a bit in a way that made her feel brand new. The audience absolutely loved it. It’s such a treat to watch a performer make a familiar role their own. Claybourne did a fantastic job with a character everyone loves to hate.
The show plays at the Westside Theatre, and this is a big reason it’s one of my favorite shows to see in New York. The theater is so intimate that you feel like you’re part of the action. There is truly not one bad seat in the house. You’re so close you can see every expression, catch every little moment, and feel the energy of the performers.
If you’ve only ever seen shows in a bigger Broadway theater, I really encourage you to try an off-Broadway-sized theater at least once. It’s a completely different experience, and it’s one everyone should have.
Then there’s the music. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman wrote a score that is just pure joy, from the doo-wop-inspired sound to the soaring ballads to the big, bold showstoppers. You will be humming it all the way back to your hotel. The energy in the room is electric from the opening number to the final bow, and it’s a show that truly works for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong theater fan or you’re just looking for a great night out.
For this limited run, Ethan and Betsy’s last performance will be October 25, 2026 and then Hannah Cruz and T.R. Knight will take the leads.
It runs about two hours with one intermission, and it’s recommended for ages 5 and up, so it’s a fun pick for a date night, a girls’ night, or a family outing with older kids.
Little Shop of Horrors is playing at the Westside Theatre , 407 W 43rd Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues). Check the official site for performance dates and cast information, since the stars rotate: littleshopnyc.com. They also offer a digital lottery for $45 tickets two days before a performance.
Whether it’s your first visit to Skid Row or your fifth, go see it. It’s just so much fun! Just maybe don’t bring any plants home afterward.
*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*
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