A casting notice was just posted today for an Off-Broadway production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS to start performances in September. Had this been announced and I missed it? Very excited to see who they cast/where it will play!
Interesting the director and choreographer credits are withheld. Jim Carnahan casting lends it a bit more heft, and the music director Will Van Dyke has quite a few Broadway and Off-Broadway credits as well as collaborations to his name. Could be a very exciting production if it turns out to be a specially tailored venue, a la Barrow Street’s Sweeney - which I thought was exceptional.
ColorTheHours048 said: "Interesting the director and choreographer credits are withheld. Jim Carnahan casting lends it a bit more heft, and the music director Will Van Dyke has quite a few Broadway and Off-Broadway credits as well as collaborations to his name. Could be a very exciting production if it turns out to be a specially tailored venue, a la Barrow Street’s Sweeney - which I thought was exceptional."
I don't know what the Barrow Street Sweeney was paying, but based just off of the minimum salaries listed in that breakdown they are going to be in one of the higher tiers of the Off-Broadway contract, so I would infer that they are aiming for a larger space in terms of seating capacity (thinking 250 to 300).
Mister Matt said: "My first reaction is wondering if it related to the Regents Park Open Air Theatre production last year."
Maybe it's not a transfer (perhaps could be related in other ways), but has a show ever opened in the West End and then transferred off-Broadway? West End to Broadway seems more common at least, but I can't really think go it then going off-Broadway. For Little Shop, that show probably makes the most sense though
I love Jonathon Groff, and he’s likely going to do a great job. However, I think he’s way too handsome to play Seymour. No matter how homely they dress him, he’s still going to look too good. I personally would’ve preferred Brandon Uranowitz. I also would’ve liked Ethan Slater as Seymour if they wanted to go for a younger actor. I think Blanchard will likely be a very good Audrey, and Borle is perfect for Orin.
Hot Pants said: "I love Jonathon Groff, and he’s likely going to do a great job. However, I think he’s way too handsome to play Seymour. No matter how homely they dress him, he’s still going to look too good. I personally would’ve preferred Brandon Uranowitz. I also would’ve liked Ethan Slater as Seymour if they wanted to go for a younger actor. I think Blanchard will likely be a very good Audrey, and Borle is perfect for Orin."
Kad said: "ren598 said: "With a cast like this, why isn't this playing on Broadway?"
Because we learnedwith the revival in the 00s that the show isn't meant for Broadway.
Not everything needs to go to Broadway.
I am thrilled they are doing this where it belongs: a smaller, offbeat venue."
To be fair, I think the show could work on Broadway. There are smaller, more intimate theaters where they could put it. The Band’s Visit is one of those small shows that seems like it belongs off broadway, but it’s Broadway production was absolutely amazing. Under the right direction, the show could a success on Broadway. You can’t judge it’s prospects off of one bad production.
JP2 said: "Hot Pants said: "I love Jonathon Groff, and he’s likely going to do a great job. However, I think he’s way too handsome to play Seymour. No matter how homely they dress him, he’s still going to look too good. I personally would’ve preferred Brandon Uranowitz. I also would’ve liked Ethan Slater as Seymour if they wanted to go for a younger actor. I think Blanchard will likely be a very good Audrey, and Borle is perfect for Orin."
How are your other options not just as hot?"
I’ll admit Uranowitz and Slater as hot. However, I believe they could be more convincingly dressed down than Groff. They’re both good looking men, but neither are an Adonis like Groff.
Hot Pants said: "To be fair, I think the show could work on Broadway. There are smaller, more intimate theaters where they could put it."
Well, yes, but every show that decides to go to Broadway, many people think would be better off Off-Broadway. And every show that goes Off-Broadway, people think should have gone right to Broadway. And what Broadway house can compete with the intimacy of 270 seats?!?
haterobics said: "And what Broadway house can compete with the intimacy of 270 seats?!?"
Completely agree. I remember getting a survey on this, too, and it was very specific that the producers wanted an intimate, stripped-down version of the show. I'm personally skeptical that the concept would work, but this cast and creative team could definitely make it work. If anything, it's something to look forward to.