The Music
In Little Shop of Horrors, the musical stylings reflect the era and themes of the story, blending various genres. Set in a nostalgic 1960s atmosphere, the musical incorporates elements of doo-wop, rhythm and blues, and Broadway show tunes. The use of doo-wop, girl group harmonies, rhythm and blues, and Broadway-style ballads ties the musical to its historical context while also allowing it to remain a dynamic, entertaining experience that speaks to universal themes of desire, exploitation, and self-discovery.
The character of Audrey II introduces the influence of rhythm and blues. Audrey II’s songs, including “Feed Me (Git It)” and “Suppertime,” are infused with the energetic rhythms and sultry tones typical of 1950s and 1960s R&B. These numbers combine steady drum beats, bluesy piano, and soulful vocals to create a big band effect that enhances the villainous presence of Audrey II. The lyrics, bold and provocative, echo the rebellious spirit and sensuality found in early R&B music, further emphasizing Audrey II’s role as a dangerous and enticing force within the narrative. (Read more!)
Central to the show’s musical framework are the characters of Ronette, Chiffon, and Crystal, who represent iconic girl groups of the 1960s, most notably The Supremes, The Shirelles, and The Crystals. These three characters function as a Greek Chorus, guiding the audience through the story by commenting on the action and offering background insights into the characters. Their performances evoke the infectious energy and soul of the girl groups of the time, especially through their harmonies and upbeat, catchy tunes. The Crystals, the Ronettes, and the Chiffons are known for their influential roles in shaping the pop and rhythm and blues genres during the era. Each group was a crucial part of the “girl group” phenomenon, which dominated the charts in the early 1960s.
The Ronettes:
The Ronettes, perhaps the most well-known of the three, were formed in 1959 in New York and are famous for their glamorous image and iconic hits such as “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.” Led by Veronica “Ronnie” Spector, the Ronettes were also produced by Phil Spector, and their music became synonymous with the girl group sound. (Giro, 1995) The Ronettes musical presence mirrors that of the 1960s girl groups, who were known for their vocal harmony and sophisticated, yet soulful, melodies. This is most evident in the way the girls interact with Seymour, adding a layer of doo-wop flair as they provide background vocals that create a rhythmic, energetic atmosphere. Doo-wop, a genre characterized by its a cappella harmonies and background vocals, is used in a playful twist during the musical, where Seymour and the girls engage in rhythmically engaging exchanges, such as “Da-Doo” sung by Seymour with the girls offering supporting harmony.
The Crystals:
The Crystals were one of the first successful girl groups of the 1960s. Formed in 1960 in New York, they are best known for their hits produced by Phil Spector, including “He’s a Rebel” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.” Their music was characterized by Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production technique, which became a hallmark of his work. The Crystals helped set the stage for the girl group genre with their powerful vocals and emotionally charged songs, though they had several lineup changes throughout their career.
The Chiffons:
The Chiffons emerged from the Bronx in the early 1960s, and they are best remembered for their hit song “One Fine Day.” Like the other groups, they benefited from the girl group trend and their songs were often characterized by upbeat melodies and themes of love and longing. While they were less commercially successful than the Ronettes or the Crystals, they remain a significant part of the era’s musical landscape.
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LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, March 12 - April 6, 2025