Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway premiered off-Broadway in 1982 and opened on Broadway in 1983, introducing audiences to Seymour, Audrey, and the singing plant Audrey II. This evergreen cast guide explains the principal performers, their roles, and notable replacements, while outlining how the show’s creative team shaped its success. Understanding the personnel behind the production helps explain the show’s lasting appeal and practical casting structure.
Original Broadway Cast Overview
The original Broadway production opened at the Orpheum Theatre in 1983 with a cast built around clear lead performances and a flexible ensemble. The show’s design allowed for some role doubling, which affected daily casting and led to a small number of principal actors covering multiple parts. The creative team, including composer Alan Menken and bookwriter Howard Ashman, emphasized strong character acting alongside vocal performance. This setup resulted in a lean principal cast where each performer carried significant narrative and musical responsibility.
Principal Roles and Original Performers
Below are the core principal roles from the original Broadway production, the performers who originated them, and the year each role was introduced.
| Role | Original Broadway Actor | First Performance Date |
|---|---|---|
| Seymour Krelborn | Lee Wilkof | March 27, 1983 |
| Audrey | Susan Orrico | March 27, 1983 |
| Audrey II (voice) | Jennifer Barnhart | March 27, 1983 |
| Mr. Mushnik | John Coffee | March 27, 19 Mr. Mushnik |
| Molly | Donna McKechnie | March 27, 1983 |
| Orin Scrivello | Michael O’Keefe | March 27, 1983 |
Notable Replacements and Standby Structure
Because the principal plant performer required specialized puppetry skills, standbys and alternates were essential. The show maintained a practical casting approach in which certain actors could cover secondary roles without undermining the plant operation. Early in the run, cast changes in supporting positions helped preserve vocal and performance quality, especially for the demanding role of Audrey II.
- Howard Ashman and Alan Menken approved a limited set of alternates to ensure continuity.
- Understudy tracks typically covered Seymour, Audrey, and supporting roles, while the principal Audrey II remained a dedicated position.
- Replacement policies emphasized preserving the distinctive vocal and physical characteristics required for the plant.
Key Supporting and Ensemble Roles
Beyond the principals, the ensemble provided essential comic relief and atmospheric backing. These characters included the Greek chorus of dental assistants and various townspeople. The show used doubling for minor roles to maintain flexibility across the week. Casting for these parts focused on strong comedic timing and ensemble awareness.
Notable Replacements in Key Supporting Roles
| Role | Notable Replacement Actor | Approximate Period |
|---|---|---|
| Audrey II (performer) | Brad Kane | Late 1983 |
| Mr. Mushnik | Chip Zien | Early 1984 |
| Molly | Amanda McBroom | Mid-1983 |
| Orin Scrivello | Jerry Frankel | Mid-1983 to early 1984 |
Off-Broadway Origins and Creative Development
Before its Broadway transfer, Little Shop of Horrors was developed off-Broadway in 1982. The off-Broadway cast operated with a small ensemble structure and was refined based on audience response. The transition to Broadway required expanding certain roles and stabilizing the plant operation, which influenced casting decisions. The show’s creative team used this period to tighten comedic pacing and enhance character work.
Impact of the 2003 Film and Legacy Cast Recognition
When the film adaptation was released in 2003, attention returned to the original staging and its performers. Although the movie featured a different cast, it renewed interest in how the original stage version balanced horror and comedy. Legacy recognition for the Broadway cast has focused on the challenges of operating a complex puppet and sustaining musical performance under demanding conditions.
Current Relevance and Revival Considerations
In any potential revival, producers revisit the original casting model to maintain the show’s balance of puppetry, vocal performance, and character acting. Modern productions may adjust doubling structures, but the core roles remain consistent. Understanding the original and replacement patterns helps producers plan sustainable casting for future iterations of the show.