Something wicked has been growing at Neptune Theatre. The cult-classic musical Little Shop of Horrors opens on March 11, 2025, and promises to be a murderously good time.

Directed by Neptune Theatre’s Artistic Director, Jeremy Webb, the production brings to life the story of Seymour, a lowly floral assistant (played by Hugh Ritchie) who discovers a mysterious plant with a sinister appetite. The musical features an impeccable score from the genius partnership of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, best known for their work on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Aladdin.

An all-star cast of 12 brings this beloved show to life, with 10 of those actors calling Atlantic Canada home—including Halifax-based musicians Reeny Smith, Owen “O’Sound” Lee, and Thaydra “JupiterReign” Gray. Kirsten Howell plays Audrey, the tragic heroine and the love of Seymour’s sad life.

Neptune veteran Bill Carr, familiar to countless Nova Scotians, plays the miserly flower shop owner, Mr. Mushnik, who looks to make a quick buck from the unusual plant.

Neptune audiences will be thrilled to see the return of Ryan Brown to the Fountain Hall stage. Brown was last at Neptune playing Prince Charmin in Cinderella and Buddy in Elf: The Musical.

Webb’s passion for Little Shop of Horrors dates back to his youth in Cambridge, UK, where he first encountered the movie musical at 18. Reflecting on this experience, Webb shared, “I fell in love with this musical when I first saw it at 18. I went into the movie theatre completely blind, just knowing that Rick Moranis and Steve Martin were in it, so it must be funny. When I left the movie theatre 2 hours later, I was so enamoured by what I’d just watched, I turned around, bought another ticket, and went right back into the next showing.”

The stage show captures the schlock-horror mayhem the movie is famous for.