Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors

Based on a $30,000 budget and shot in two days, Little Shop of Horrors is one of the hit musicals that was based on a film. This book explores the unlikely phenomenon of how the musical became a global success, examining its creation, afterlives, and wider cultural context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The captivating story of Little Shop of Horrors, a musical phenomenon that emerged from a humble monster movie, is explored in Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors. This timely and authoritative book delves into the creation of the musical, its global impact, and its enduring resonance with audiences from the 1980s to the present. At the heart of this in-depth study is the collaboration between the shows creators, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Told through archival research and eyewitness accounts, this is the first book to extensively use Ashman's personal papers, offering a unique and inspiring exploration of one of musical theatre's greatest talents.

The journey of Little Shop of Horrors begins with its release in 1960, a monster movie that played the midnight circuit and then faded from view. However, two decades later, the musical adaptation of the film opened Off-Broadway and achieved remarkable success. Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors chronicles this unlikely phenomenon, shedding light on the factors that propelled it to global fame.

The Faustian tale of Seymour and his man-eating plant, which started as a humble tale, transcended its origins to become a global phenomenon. The musical adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors not only captured the essence of the original film but also added a layer of depth and complexity to the story. It explored themes of love, friendship, and the consequences of ambition, resonating with audiences of all ages.

The success of the musical led to a popular film adaptation, further expanding the reach of Little Shop of Horrors. The film's catchy tunes, memorable characters, and dark humor have made it a beloved classic, captivating audiences around the world. Productions of the musical have been staged in numerous countries, showcasing its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

In examining the afterlives and wider cultural context of Little Shop of Horrors, the book raises intriguing questions about why this unlikely combination of blood, annihilation, and catchy tunes has resonated with audiences for decades. It explores the enduring appeal of horror and the power of musical theatre to transcend boundaries and engage audiences on a profound level.

The collaboration between Howard Ashman and Alan Menken is a central focus of the book. Ashman, a talented lyricist and composer, brought a unique perspective to the musical, infusing it with humor, heart, and a touch of darkness. Menken, on the other hand, provided the memorable melodies and harmonies that have become synonymous level. Their partnership was a perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship, resulting in a musical that has left an indelible mark on the musical theatre canon.

Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the creation, impact, and legacy of this musical phenomenon. It provides a deep dive into the creative process, the cultural significance of the show, and its enduring popularity. Through archival research, eyewitness accounts, and extensive use of Howard Ashman's personal papers, the book offers a unique and inspiring study of one of musical theatre's greatest talents.

In conclusion, Little Shop of Horrors is a remarkable example of how a humble film can be transformed into a global phenomenon through the power of musical theatre. This book serves as a testament to the creativity, talent, and resilience of the human spirit, and its impact on the world of musical theatre is immeasurable. Whether you are a fan of the original film, a musical theatre enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the cultural significance of this unlikely combination, Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the magic and wonder of this musical masterpiece.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350179318