Little Shop Of Horrors Bernstein

Little Shop of Horrors: A Deep Dive into Bernstein's Musical Masterpiece

Little Shop of Horrors, with its catchy tunes and darkly comedic storyline, has captivated audiences for decades. While the film adaptation cemented its place in pop culture, the original stage musical, composed by the legendary Alan Menken with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, is a vibrant and nuanced work of art. This article delves deep into the musical's creation, its enduring appeal, and the significant contributions of its creators, particularly focusing on the masterful score by Alan Menken. We'll explore the musical's themes, its characters, and its lasting impact on the world of musical theatre.

The Genesis of a Killer Musical: From Low-Budget Film to Broadway Hit

The story of Little Shop of Horrors begins not on a grand Broadway stage, but with a low-budget 1960 horror-comedy film directed by Roger Corman. This cult classic, with its B-movie charm and delightfully cheesy special effects, provided the foundation for the stage musical. However, the transition from a campy film to a sophisticated, emotionally resonant musical was a testament to the genius of Ashman and Menken. Their collaboration, which would later yield Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, began with Little Shop of Horrors.

Ashman's sharp wit and storytelling prowess infused the story with a depth and emotional resonance absent in the original film. He cleverly developed the characters, creating sympathetic figures even amidst the macabre setting. Meanwhile, Menken's musical genius provided the perfect soundtrack, seamlessly blending doo-wop, R&B, and rock elements to create a distinctive and unforgettable soundscape that reflected the show's diverse influences.

A Doo-Wop Delight: Menken's Musical Genius in Little Shop of Horrors

Menken's score for Little Shop of Horrors is a masterpiece of musical theater composition. His ability to seamlessly blend disparate genres creates a sonic tapestry that perfectly complements the show's tone, oscillating between moments of humor and stark horror. The influence of 1950s and 1960s doo-wop is undeniable, evident in the upbeat and catchy tunes sung by the Greek chorus-like street urchins, Seymour, and Audrey.

The musical's most iconic numbers showcase Menken's compositional brilliance:

• "Skid Row (Downtown)": This opening number immediately sets the tone, establishing the setting and introducing the characters with a vibrant and infectious doo-wop melody. The harmonies are intricate and well-crafted, showcasing Menken's skill in creating rich and layered musical textures.

• "Da Doo": The street urchins' signature song, this track is a perfect example of Menken's ability to create catchy melodies that are both memorable and thematically relevant. Its repetitive structure and playful lyrics underscore the seemingly simple nature of the shop and its inhabitants, a stark contrast to the increasingly ominous events unfolding.

• "Somewhere That's Green": This ballad, sung by Audrey, is a poignant expression of her longing for a better life. Menken’s composition perfectly captures Audrey's vulnerability and dreams, a stark contrast to the upbeat doo-wop numbers. The melody is haunting and beautiful, showcasing his ability to create emotionally resonant music.

• "Feed Me (Git It)": This chilling number, sung by Audrey II, is a masterclass in musical tension-building. The escalating tempo and increasingly menacing lyrics mirror the plant's growing power and Seymour's descent into darkness. Menken effectively uses musical motifs to build suspense, foreshadowing the eventual tragedy.

• "Suddenly, Seymour": This romantic duet between Seymour and Audrey highlights Menken’s ability to transition between genres. The song's tender melody and lyrics portray the blossoming romance between the two characters, providing a moment of respite from the show's escalating darkness.

• "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space (Reprise)": This reprise showcases the evolution of Audrey II's character, its growing power and sinister nature. The music becomes increasingly frenetic and dissonant, mirroring the plant's growing influence and the impending doom.

Beyond the individual numbers, Menken's score is characterized by its seamless integration of music and narrative. The music isn't just a background element; it actively drives the plot forward, underscoring emotional shifts and foreshadowing crucial events. This masterful integration is a hallmark of Menken's compositional style and is a key factor in the musical's enduring popularity.

Character Development and Thematic Resonance

While Menken's music is a cornerstone of Little Shop of Horrors, Ashman's book and lyrics contribute equally to the show's success. He crafted compelling characters that resonate with audiences on multiple levels. Seymour, the meek and unassuming florist's assistant, is a relatable protagonist, driven by his desire to escape poverty and win Audrey's affection. Audrey, despite her outwardly cheerful demeanor, is a complex character grappling with abuse, poverty, and unmet desires. Her vulnerabilities make her deeply sympathetic, and her dreams of escape are a powerful counterpoint to the grotesque events unfolding around her.

The show explores a variety of important themes, including poverty, ambition, and the dangers of unchecked power. Seymour's initial desire for financial success, coupled with his infatuation with Audrey, makes his descent into morally questionable actions understandable, even tragic. The insatiable hunger of Audrey II serves as a powerful metaphor for unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. The musical doesn't shy away from exploring these dark themes, but it does so with a sense of dark humor and a surprisingly tender heart.

The Enduring Legacy of Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. Its blend of horror, comedy, and romance, coupled with Menken's unforgettable score, has solidified its place as a classic of the musical theater genre. The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences on multiple levels. Its exploration of universal themes – love, loss, ambition, and the consequences of our choices – makes it timeless.

The musical's relatively simple staging requirements have also contributed to its enduring popularity. Unlike many large-scale musicals, Little Shop of Horrors can be successfully produced with relatively modest resources, making it accessible to a wider range of theatre companies and communities. This accessibility has ensured that the musical continues to be performed and enjoyed around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes the music of Little Shop of Horrors so unique?

A: The uniqueness of Menken's score stems from its skillful blending of doo-wop, R&B, and rock elements. This eclectic mix creates a distinct sonic landscape that perfectly complements the show's darkly comedic and often unsettling themes. The music is both catchy and emotionally resonant, effectively driving the narrative and enhancing the audience's emotional experience.

Q: How does the musical differ from the original film?

A: The stage musical expands significantly upon the original film, providing more depth to the characters and exploring thematic elements more thoroughly. Ashman’s script fleshes out the characters' motivations and backstories, creating more sympathetic and relatable figures. The musical also delves deeper into the themes of poverty, ambition, and the dangers of unchecked power.

Q: What is the significance of Audrey II?

A: Audrey II serves as more than just a carnivorous plant; it's a powerful metaphor for unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Its insatiable hunger mirrors Seymour's escalating desire for success and reflects the consequences of his actions.

Q: Why is Little Shop of Horrors still popular today?

A: The show's enduring popularity stems from its combination of catchy music, a compelling storyline, and relatable characters. Its exploration of universal themes – love, loss, ambition, and the consequences of our choices – continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its relatively modest staging requirements also contribute to its accessibility and continued production across various theatrical venues.

Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece

Little Shop of Horrors stands as a testament to the power of creative collaboration. Alan Menken's brilliant score, seamlessly integrated with Howard Ashman's insightful book and lyrics, created a musical masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to entertain, provoke thought, and move audiences on an emotional level. The show's blend of dark humor, compelling characters, and unforgettable music ensures that Little Shop of Horrors will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come. It remains a prime example of how musical theatre can be used to explore complex themes with wit, poignancy, and unforgettable musicality.