Broadway opening and original production overview
Little Shop of Horrors opened on Broadway at the Virginia Theatre on March 31, 1983 and ran for five previews starting March 15, 1983. The musical, with music and lyrics by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman, was directed by Jerome Robbins and featured a book expanded from the 1982 off-Broadway production. Its move to the Broadway stage transformed the cult film into a long-running theatrical success that helped define 1980s musical theatre and remains a frequently revived title.
Production timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1982 | Off-Broadway opening at the Orpheum Theatre | Proof-of-concept that refined book and score |
| Mar 15–27, 1983 | Broadway previews at the Virginia Theatre | Allowed adjustments to staging and orchestrations |
| Mar 31, 1983 | Official Broadway opening | Brought the show to a larger house and mainstream audience |
| Sep 26, 1987 | Final Broadway performance | Ended a nearly five-year run with strong box office and critical reception |
Creative team and key casting
The original Broadway production featured Lee Wilkof as Seymour, Ellen Greene as Audrey, and John Candy as Audrey II in early performances before creative differences led to his departure. Direction by Jerome Robbins shaped the heightened theatrical style, while set design by Robin Wagner created the memorable, evolving backdrop of the floral shop. The show balanced camp and horror, supported by choreography that emphasized character storytelling.
Original Broadway cast highlights
- Lee Wilkof as Seymour Krelborn
- Ellen Greene as Audrey
- John Candy as the original voice and puppetry consultant for Audrey II (early rehearsals)
- Ken Page as Mr. Mushnik
- Joan Jett was also associated with the show in later capacities, though not in the original cast
Venue and run metrics
Little Shop of Horrors played at the Virginia Theatre, a Broadway house with a seating capacity conducive to musical theatre. The production totaled approximately 2,088 performances across nearly five years, closing in September 1987. Its run was bolstered by strong word-of-mouth, multiple award nominations, and enduring appeal of its music and satire.
Legacy and continued relevance
Since its Broadway run, the show has seen frequent regional, school, and touring productions, along with a widely noted film adaptation in 1986. The original score by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman remain influential, and its storytelling framework has proven adaptable across media. The show continues to be licensed and produced worldwide, demonstrating the durability of its concept and the clarity of its creative vision.
Quick comparison: Off-Broadway to Broadway
| Metric | Off-Broadway | Broadway |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre | Orpheum Theatre | Virginia Theatre |
| Opening | Nov 1982 | Mar 31, 1983 |
| Run length | Shorter, developmental | Nearly five years |
These transitions illustrate how a tightly conceived off-Broadway musical can scale for a Broadway audience while preserving its core narrative and tonal balance.