“Little Shop of Horrors” is made for character actors; it’s a show in which those not always cast in the leading roles get to shine in every part. So why not lead “Little Shop” with a trio of Orlando’s best character actors?

That would be Brandon Roberts, Hannah McGinley Lemasters and Alexander Mrazek — actors who create memorable characters no matter the size of the role, actors who know how to be quirky, how to be clever and most important here, how to be funny.

They delight in this “Little Shop of Horrors,” produced and presented by the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, with Michael Knight as director.

“Little Shop,” tells a comic horror story of a blood-thirsty plant from outer space who raises the fortunes of a perpetually down-on-his-luck florist assistant named Seymour (Roberts). He only has eyes for co-worker Audrey (Lemasters) but she’s in an abusive relationship with a sadistic dentist (Tripp Karrh).

As you might imagine, that last part is hard to play for laughs — and in some productions is more cringey than funny — but here, Knight handles that aspect of the show with the right touch, emphasizing the anger and sadness of the characters at her treatment, and his actors strike just the right note with the lines.

The show is narrated by a trio of singers, reminiscent of the old Motown girl groups, and these ladies shine equally bright. They never feel like background singers — though their vocals give zip to the Alan Menken-Howard Ashman songs — because these women are right at home at center stage. You’ve seen them at Universal Studios or in acclaimed roles at Orlando Shakes or Theater West End in Sanford.

Even better, Raven Lawrence, Emily Bagnolati-Camargo and Lauren Muller put individual stamps on Stephanie Oliver-Cox’s Motown choreography. Their voices may blend as one, but each actor has a distinct personality.

Speaking of personality, that killer plant has a bold one thanks to the wheedling voice of Christopher King and puppeteering by Audrey Chang and Jaidyn Richardson (who also is very funny in a short bit as a floral-shop customer).

Emily Bagnolati-Camargo, Raven Lawrence and Lauren Muller give their girl-group characters distinct and delightful personalities in “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (Courtesy Dr. Phillips Center)

Roberts also has a nifty puppeteering moment, but he’s just swell throughout the whole shebang — whether giving a nervous giggle or letting a grim and steely look ripple across his face as he crosses a big moral line. He also makes the most of his slight stature, expecially when juxtaposed against towering Mrazek, who makes Mr. Mushnik, the florist, funnier than written. A silly pas de deux between the men is the show’s comic highlight.

Lemasters beautifully conveys Audrey’s lack of self-worth and creates razor-sharp chemistry with Karrh, who literally bares his teeth as he leans into the sick side of the dangerous dentist. Waylon Lemasters’ set neatly fits the space, and Katy Williams’ costumes hit the spot.

Seymour and Audrey (Brandon Roberts and Hannah McGinley Lemasters) introduce Orin the dentist (Tripp Karrh, center) to their new plant in “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (Courtesy Dr. Phillips Center)

The recorded accompaniment feels a little downmarket for as grand a space as the arts center’s Pugh Theater, and as is often the case doesn’t always balance correctly with the actors’ vocals But the familiar tunes — “Suddenly Seymour,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” the title tune — sound great. Watching this show is watching pros at work. Clap, cheer and laugh — they deserve it — but, remember, don’t feed the plant.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.

A dance between Mr. Mushnik (Alexander Mrazek) and Seymour (Brandon Roberts) is the comic highlight of “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (Courtesy Dr. Phillips Center)

‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Length: 2 hours, including intermission
Where: Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1; 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
Cost: $53.10 and up
Info: drphillipscenter.org

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/31/little-shop-horrors-review-dr-phillips-center/