Written by Nada Choate
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Welcome to the fascinating world of Little Shop of Horrors! If you’re a fan of musical comedies and dark humor, then you are in for a treat. This cult classic film has been captivating audiences since its release in 1986, with its unique blend of catchy songs, memorable characters, and a carnivorous plant that steals the show. In this article, we will delve into 34 intriguing facts about Little Shop of Horrors that will amaze and entertain you. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to trivia about the cast and crew, get ready to uncover the secrets and quirks of this beloved movie. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and join us on this journey into the weird and wonderful world of Little Shop of Horrors.
Key Takeaways:
- “Little Shop of Horrors” started as a successful Off-Broadway musical and became a cult classic movie, blending horror, comedy, and catchy songs to captivate audiences with its unique charm.
- The movie’s iconic plant, Audrey II, and its cautionary message about greed have left a lasting impact on pop culture, inspiring future films and musicals to explore unconventional themes.
The Inspiration
The movie “Little Shop of Horrors” was inspired by a low-budget horror-comedy film released in 1960, directed by Roger Corman.
The Off-Broadway Success
Little Shop of Horrors originally started as an Off-Broadway musical in 1982 and became a tremendous success, running for over five years.
The Star-Studded Cast
The movie boasted an incredible cast, including Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, and Bill Murray.
The Legendary Director
The movie was directed by Frank Oz, who is renowned for his work as a puppeteer and his collaboration with Jim Henson in creating characters like Yoda in Star Wars.
The Iconic Plant
The carnivorous plant, Audrey II, is one of the most memorable elements of the movie. It was designed by Lyle Conway and voiced by Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops.
The Puppetry Magic
Audrey II was brought to life through a combination of puppetry techniques, with multiple versions created for different sequences in the film.
The Spectacular Songs
The movie features catchy and memorable musical numbers composed by Alan Menken and written by Howard Ashman, including hits like “Suddenly Seymour” and “Somewhere That’s Green.
The Dark Comedy
Little Shop of Horrors is known for its unique blend of horror and comedy, captivating audiences with its twisted and humorous storyline.
The Alternate Ending
The original ending of the movie was quite different from the one audiences saw in theaters. It was changed due to negative audience feedback during test screenings.
The Cameo by Jim Belushi
Jim Belushi makes an uncredited cameo in the movie as a confused man who encounters Audrey II while walking down the street.
The Box Office Success
Little Shop of Horrors was a commercial success, grossing over $38 million worldwide against its $25 million budget.
The Academy Award Nomination
The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, showcasing the impressive puppetry and special effects used to bring Audrey II to life.
The Broadway Revival
Following the success of the movie, Little Shop of Horrors was revived on Broadway in 2003, starring Hunter Foster and Kerry Butler as Seymour and Audrey.
The Cult Classic Status
Over the years, Little Shop of Horrors has gained a loyal fan following and has become a beloved cult classic, continuing to captivate audiences with its dark humor.
The Original Stage Production Cast
Several cast members reprised their roles from the original Off-Broadway production for the movie, including Ellen Greene as Audrey and Lee Wilkof as Seymour.
The Urban Setting
The movie is set in Skid Row, a rundown urban neighborhood, adding to the gritty and dark atmosphere of the story.
The Critically Acclaimed Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Little Shop of Horrors received critical acclaim and was praised for its catchy tunes and witty lyrics.
The Influence on Future Musicals
Little Shop of Horrors had a significant influence on future musicals, inspiring the use of dark humor and unconventional storytelling.
The Longevity of the Music
The songs from the movie, such as “Suddenly Seymour” and “Dentist,” have been covered by numerous artists and are still performed in theaters and on television.
The Animated TV Series
In 1991, an animated TV series based on the movie was created, featuring a new cast of characters and adventures for Audrey II.
The Theater References
The movie is filled with references to classic musicals and theater, paying homage to the golden age of Broadway.
The Dark Origins
Little Shop of Horrors has its roots in a dark comedy film by Roger Corman, but the musical adaptation added more depth to the story and characters.
The Bad Luck Plant
Throughout the movie, Audrey II brings both success and misfortune to Seymour, creating a moral dilemma for him.
The Catchy Theme Song
The movie’s theme song, “Little Shop of Horrors,” has become an iconic tune associated with the eerie allure of Audrey II.
The Origins of Audrey II’s Name
Audrey II is named after Audrey Fulquard, Seymour’s co-worker and crush, emphasizing the twisted relationship between the plant and Seymour.
The Voice of Audrey II
Levi Stubbs’ powerful and soulful voice gave Audrey II a larger-than-life presence, adding to the character’s appeal.
The Influence on Pop Culture
Little Shop of Horrors has left its mark on pop culture, inspiring references and parodies in various TV shows, movies, and even music videos.
The Reimagined Plant Designs
In different adaptations of Little Shop of Horrors, Audrey II’s appearance has been reimagined, reflecting the creativity and imagination of each production.
The Message of Greed
The movie conveys a cautionary message about the dangers of greed and the consequences that come with making unethical choices.
The Dark Comedy Legacy
Little Shop of Horrors is considered a groundbreaking dark comedy, paving the way for future films and musicals to explore unconventional themes.
The Transformation of Seymour
Seymour’s character undergoes a transformation throughout the movie, evolving from a timid and naive protagonist to a morally conflicted anti-hero.
The Set Design
The movie’s set design creates a visually stunning world, demonstrating the contrast between the grim realities of Skid Row and the allure of fame and success.
The Legacy of Howard Ashman
Writer Howard Ashman, who co-wrote the musical and lyrics, tragically passed away before the movie’s release but left an indelible mark on the production.
The Timeless Appeal
Little Shop of Horrors continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal, blending horror, comedy, and unforgettable music into a truly unique cinematic experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Little Shop of Horrors is a cult classic movie that continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of horror and comedy. With its memorable characters, catchy songs, and impressive special effects, it has stood the test of time and remains a beloved favorite among moviegoers.The film’s success can be attributed to the talented cast, led by Rick Moranis and featuring stellar performances from Steve Martin and Ellen Greene. The combination of their acting prowess and the imaginative storytelling of director Frank Oz has made Little Shop of Horrors a true cinematic gem.Whether you’re a fan of musicals, horror movies, or simply looking for an entertaining film to watch, Little Shop of Horrors delivers on all fronts. Its delightful mix of humor, suspense, and toe-tapping musical numbers is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.So, gather your friends, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a wild ride with Audrey II and the gang in Little Shop of Horrors!
FAQs
Q: Who directed the movie Little Shop of Horrors?
A: Little Shop of Horrors was directed by Frank Oz, who is best known for his work as a puppeteer and voice actor in the Muppets franchise.
Q: Is Little Shop of Horrors based on a true story?
A: No, Little Shop of Horrors is not based on a true story. It is actually based on a 1982 Off-Broadway musical of the same name, which was in turn inspired by a 1960 low-budget film directed by Roger Corman.
Q: Who plays the lead role in Little Shop of Horrors?
A: Rick Moranis portrays the lead role of Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors. His charming and lovable performance earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a comedic actor.
Q: Are there any famous songs in the movie?
A: Yes, Little Shop of Horrors features several iconic songs, including “Suddenly Seymour,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” and the catchy anthem “Feed Me (Git It!).”
Q: Did Little Shop of Horrors receive any awards?
A: While it did not receive any major awards, Little Shop of Horrors was nominated for two Academy Awards in 1987 for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song.
If you're a fan of musicals, comedy, and quirky characters like Audrey II, we've got more fascinating facts for you to explore. Discover the hidden gems within the Royal College of Music Library, laugh out loud with our collection of Melbourne International Comedy Festival facts, and dive even deeper into the world of The Little Shop of Horrors with our extended list of movie trivia.
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