"Critics from AZ review 'The Miniature House of Terrors' at the German Theater"
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In the heart of Munich, the Deutsche Theater is currently hosting a production of the horror comedy rock musical, "Little Shop of Horrors." Originally debuted off-off-Broadway in 1982, this musical has gained a reputation for its rock and roll, doo-wop, and Motown-inspired score, featuring hits like the title song and "Somewhere That's Green."
The narrative follows Seymour, a shy and hapless florist shop worker, who discovers a strange plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. As the plant, named Audrey II, grows, Seymour's life takes a darkly comedic and horrific turn, leading him down a morally ambiguous path. Seymour's unrequited love for his co-worker Audrey, her abusive relationship with her sadistic boyfriend, and the growing menace of the plant form the central conflicts of the story.
The musical critiques capitalism through Seymour's transformation from a meek worker exploited by his boss into someone who gains power and success by exploiting the plant's deadly nature. This transformation questions the moral costs and corrupting effects of ambition within a capitalist framework, especially in the economically depressed "Skid Row" setting.
The story also explores complex relationships, particularly the unrequited and hopeful love Seymour has for Audrey. Their dynamic highlights themes of vulnerability, hope, and the desire for a better life amid hardship.
Seymour's character arc—from a timid, exploited employee to a more confident but morally compromised figure willing to sacrifice others for personal gain—illustrates the tension between innocence and corruption. His journey is central to the musical's critique of ambition and the ethical dilemmas faced when pursuing the American Dream in a harsh social landscape.
The set design for the production fits remarkably well into the Deutsche Theater, creating a backyard atmosphere on stage. Michael Konicek as Seymour portrays a man between shyness and heroic self-determination. The ensemble, including six dancers, lends dynamic energy to many numbers. Lutz Thase portrays Mr. Mushnik with an irritable temperament, while Puppeteer Pies Gestalten brings Audrey II to life fantastically. Chris Murray gives Audrey II its resounding voice, and the plant's evil sounds seductively deep and strong.
The musical "Little Shop of Horrors" is a vampire story in which a carnivorous plant named Audrey II requires blood and flesh to grow. The set design includes lowerable backdrops and a rear video screen. Dirk Schattner and Benjamin Sahler creatively stage the musical, including the satirical staging of a suburban American dream. The German translation of the musical, while not always smooth, makes it easier for many in the audience to understand. Christian Auer's band provides live music for the production.
Stefanie Groening as Audrey exudes the quiet charm of restraint. The trio, Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon, exudes glamour with their first song, "Downtown (Skid Row)," and reappears throughout the story, supporting the soloists vocally and narrating the tale.
Despite some qualms, Seymour lets Audrey II persuade him to commit murderous acts to maintain the shop's success. A recent production of "Little Shop of Horrors" was temporarily transplanted from Neuschwanstein Festspielhaus to Munich. The musical is set in the 1960s in the impoverished L.A. neighborhood of Skid Row, and features a homeless man, prostitutes, and the trio Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon.
The musical was filmed by Frank Oz in 1986 and is one of Germany's most frequently performed musicals. It was premiered in New York in 1982 and was created by Alan Menken (composer) and Howard Ashman (libretto). The musical combines humor and horror with memorable melodies and draws from various genres like barbershop, pop ballads, and rock.
Overall, "Little Shop of Horrors" offers a unique blend of accessible entertainment and reflective thematic depth, combining campy horror with social commentary to examine darker themes like capitalism's impacts, abuse in relationships, and personal transformation through compromise and moral ambiguity.
The Deutsche Theater's production of "Little Shop of Horrors" features a musical score inspired by rock, doo-wop, and Motown, offering an entertaining blend of catchy tunes like the title song and "Somewhere That's Green." Seymour, the shiny and hapless florist shop worker, encounters a carnivorous plant called Audrey II that feeds on human blood and flesh, which brings an element of music and entertainment to the terrifying and morbid storyline.
