Maxime Pascal revives 'Little Shop of Horrors' at Opéra Comique

Conductor Maxime Pascal, with his ensemble Le Balcon, stages a vibrant revival of the musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken at the Opéra Comique in Paris, running until December 25, 2022. Directed by Valérie Lesort and Christian Hecq, the production transforms the cannibalistic plant story into a melancholic night-bird tale reminiscent of Edward Hopper. Pascal, who discovered Disney's Aladdin at age 7, traces Menken's career back to his pre-Disney work, unearthing this less saccharine piece. The score, originally for guitar, bass, and keyboard, has been expanded into a big band and symphonically orchestrated by Arthur Lavandier, blending jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, rockabilly, doo-wop, and klezmer. The production features Judith Fa as Audrey, Marc Mauillon as Seymour, Damien Bigourdan as the sadistic dentist, and Daniel Njo Lobé as the voice of the man-eating plant. Set designer Audrey Vuong creates a metaphysical gas station evoking Hopper, reflecting social misery. The plant puppet, inspired by Alien, is made of latex foam by Carole Allemand. The show runs at the Opéra Comique in Paris.