Ateneo BlueRep's Little Shop of Horrors, July 27-August 13

“Little Shop of Horrors,” a black comedy musical satirizing old-school sci-fi movies that has become one of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, is Ateneo Blue Repertory presentation for its 20th season premiere this July-August.
With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, “Little Shop of Horrors” is the story of a miserable shopkeeper’s yearning for a better life and a chance at love, all encouraged by a devious plant who manipulates him into quenching its thirst for blood and world domination in exchange for his heart’s desires. Thus, he must choose between right and wrong, all for the sake of a bit of glory.
“For our 20th season, our theme is man's inner struggle, and the clash between the beasts within us and our humanity,” says Ejay Yatco, blueREP artistic director. “Seymour, the lead character of the play, faces this struggle when he is offered everything he ever wanted but at a great cost. 'Little Shop of Horrors' is the first of three plays this year that will move our audiences to ask the question ‘Who is the man? Who is the Beast?’”
Since its beginnings in 1991, blueREP has delighted local audiences with shows that celebrate the artistry of the Filipino performer. It has staged musicals like “Pippin,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Stages of Love,” “Bare: A Pop Opera” and “Hair.
Directed by Toff de Venecia (director of blueREP’s “All Shook Up” and “Freakshow”) and musical Direction by blueREP artistic director Ejay Yatco (musical director of blueREP’s “Edges“), “Little Shop of Horrors” runs July 27-August 13 at the Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University.
For tickets (P199 each), call Mica Fajardo 0917-8908795.
PLUS: Suddenly, Seymour--for my money, one of the best love duets ever written for a musical (from the movie version directed by Frank Oz, starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene).