Curtain goes up on ‘Little Shop’ at Elmhurst College

It’s probably safe to say “Little Shop of Horrors” is the only musical to combine the infectious joy of Motown-inspired musical numbers with the creeping horror of having to feed human blood to a deranged, carnivorous plant.

The popular comedy-rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, will be performed starting Thursday, April 26, at Elmhurst College.

“We’ll be in for an exciting ride in the land of singing plants,” promises choreographer Amy Lyn McDonald, who is working on this production with director Frank Del Giudice and musical director Scott Uddenburg.

The nonhuman star of “Little Shop” is a carnivorous plant named Audrey II, which quickly outgrows its unassuming dirt-filled pot and threatens to take over the world, relegating the human population to its personal all-you-can-eat smorgasbord.

“We’re having fun with the fact that it is a tongue-in-cheek look at 1960s B-list horror films,” says Del Giudice, who adds that the cast and crew have enjoyed bringing together the various elements — from costuming and choreography to singing and puppetry — involved in the production.

“The joy is in putting it together as an ensemble, bit by bit,” he says.

“I am excited about it because it’s a very accessible musical, one that everyone should enjoy — it’s just a really good time.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” will run Thursday through Sunday, April 26-29, and Thursday through Saturday, May 3-5. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.; the Sunday performance begins at 2 p.m. at the Mill Theatre, 253 Walter St., Elmhurst.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $6 for seniors, faculty and staff; and $5 for students. For details, call (630) 617-3005 or email mill@elmhurst.edu.