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‘Little Shop of Horrors" is a rock musical based on a B-horror movie involving a nerdy florist, a sadistic dentist and a bloodthirsty plant.
Naturally, Zach Brewster-Geisz of Greenbelt was hooked.
Brewster-Geisz gets his chance starting Friday, when he plays Seymour, the florist, in Greenbelt Arts Center's production of "Little Shop of Horrors." The musical is scheduled to run through Nov. 28.
The musical follows Seymour's quest to win over Audrey, his ditzy blonde co-worker, and his unexpected success at the shop once he discovers why his boss' new plant is wilting: It's hungry not for water, but for human blood.
Seymour's care helps the plant, which he names Audrey II, grow into a Motown-singing man-eater that eventually drives him to murder. One of his potential victims is Audrey's boyfriend, a dentist who loves inflicting pain on his patients.
The play is based on the 1960 Roger Corman horror movie of the same name, and the stage adaptation retains the movie's zany dark humor.
"It's a funny show, despite the fact that it's based on a B-horror movie," Brewster-Geisz said. "It's just entertaining. I'm going to bring my kids to see it."
Director Jeffery Lesniak said the show is pure theatrical candy, eschewing heavy themes or deeper meanings for a highly entertaining horror story.
"I mean, there's a man-eating plant," Lesniak said. "It doesn't really have a great theme or meaning to it. It's just a really, really fun science-fiction rock musical."
The musical features catchy rock and Motown tunes, often delivered in Audrey II's deep and rich R&B voice.
"It's got great music, and I'm a sucker for anything the plant sings," Brewster-Geisz said.
"Little Shop of Horrors" is part of what Greenbelt Arts Center is billing as its "season of love," with multiple plays fitting into the theme.
And, however improbably, "Little Shop of Horrors" fits the bill, Lesniak said.
"Seymour is killing people to get the girl he's always wanted, so you've got a love story there," Lesniak said. "And the motivation of the plant bent on world domination is his love for human blood."
An added bonus: It's a love story with at least a somewhat-happy ending for the nerdy lead character.
"The geeky guy gets the girl," Brewster-Geisz said. "You've got to love that."
IF YOU GO
Little Shop of Horrors
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 28
Where: Greenbelt Arts Center, 123 Centerway Road, Greenbelt
Tickets: $18, $15 for seniors and students
Box office: 301-441-8770; www.greenbeltartscenter.org
