Enjoy a Halloween treat full of thrills, laughs & rock ‘n’ roll

Just in time for Halloween, Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) is bringing audiences a wickedly fun mix of thrills, laughter, and rock ’n’ roll with Little Shop of Horrors.

Running Oct. 23 through Nov. 8 at The Studio Theater, located on the campus of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, this beloved horror-comedy promises plenty of outrageous fun.

The production is directed by DJ Salisbury, an award-winning stage director, choreographer, book writer, and lyricist with more than 120 theatrical productions to his credit nationwide and off-Broadway. Here’s what he has to say about the show.

“Every so often a musical comes along that seems to do the impossible, and Little Shop of Horrors is one of them,” Salisbury said. “On paper, it shouldn’t work: a doo-wop, girl-group, Motown-flavored comedy about a meek flower shop clerk and a bloodthirsty plant from outer space. Yet in the hands of Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music), this campy little B-movie parody became one of the most perfectly constructed musicals ever written.

“Every song moves the story forward, every joke lands with purpose, and underneath all the fun sits a surprisingly sharp fable about ambition, temptation, and what we’re willing to feed in exchange for the life we think we deserve.

“It’s no surprise that Ashman and Menken went on to write some of the most beloved Disney musicals of all time, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. You can hear the seeds of that genius right here on Skid Row.

“I’ve had the joy of directing this show once before, and I can honestly say it is a privilege to revisit the Little Shop … spending time with a piece this well written is like reuniting with an old friend who still has new stories to tell. So settle in, enjoy the ride, and whatever you do … don’t feed the plants!”

Salisbury has directed and choreographed major regional productions at venues including Paper Mill Playhouse, Pioneer Theatre Company, Musical Theatre West, and Orlando Shakespeare Theater. His credits include acclaimed productions of Les Misérables, The Will Rogers Follies and Evita. He is also the creator of several original musicals, including Whisper Darkly with composer Andrew Gerle, Moonshine & Mistletoe, Poodleful! and The Man Who Would Be King, co-written with Neil Berg.

Get your tickets for this Off-Broadway smash hit featuring doo-wop, early Motown, and rock and roll. Tickets are available online at atistage.org or by calling Fifth Third Bank Box Office at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at (317) 843-3800.