Throughout the month of October, Playhouse Merced will present “Little Shop of Horrors,” one of the most popular musicals of all time. 

“With a genius blend of humor and horror along with some of the best songs ever written for the stage, this is the perfect show for the Halloween season,” said Playhouse spokesperson Haley Paulissian in a news release.

The story takes place in a failing flower shop in a neglected corner of skid row where an unassuming employee named Seymour has just found a unique plant that he hopes will change his fortunes.  He does everything he can think of to help the strange little plant survive, but soon discovers that the only way to make it grow is to feed it human blood.  Desperate to help business and impress the girl of his dreams, Seymour gives in to the plant’s needs, a decision that leads to countless problems and maybe even the end of the world.

Since its premiere, “Little Shop of Horrors” has been produced all over the world, including revivals on Broadway and the West End, and was also been made into a now classic film.  The story is matched perfectly by the songs, written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the minds behind well-known musicals like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.”  Over the decades since its first production, “Little Shop of Horrors” has continually increased in popularity, becoming one of the most loved musicals in American history. 

“Playhouse Merced’s upcoming production will feature some of the best talent the area has to offer and will be a whole lot of fun for everyone who comes out to see it,” Paulissian said.

“Little Shop of Horrors” will end with a special Halloween performance on October 31. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Halloween, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets range from $15 to $22, with $10 tickets available through the box office for anyone under 18.  Tickets and information are available at the Playhouse Merced box office at 452 W. Main St, by calling 725-8587, or by going to playhousemerced.com.  Performances are expected to sell out, so it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.  “Little Shop of Horrors” is suggested for teens and above due to content and some language.