Whether you've seen Little Shop of Horrors or not, it is so much a part of our pop culture that it is difficult not to have some preconceived ideas when you hear the title. Thankfully, Tacoma Little Theatre's production of the musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken lives up to the musical's quirky and fun reputation. Originally a non-musical film from 1960, written by Charles B Griffith, Little Shop of Horrors was turned into an off-Broadway musical by Ashman and Menken before becoming the 1986 film adaptation starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. Like all the other versions, Tacoma Little Theatre's production revolves around a skid row flower shop owned by Mr. Mushnik who employs Seymour and Audrey. Mushnik is ready to throw in the towel but nerdy and bumbling Seymour persuades him to let his unusual new plant (named Audrey II) act as an attraction to lure customers. 

Read Joann Varnell's full review of Little Shop of Horrors in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, through May 26, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 N. I St., Tacoma, rated 13+, $15-$25, 253-272-2281