Theatre By The Sea will open its 2026 summer season with “Little Shop of Horrors,” running May 28 through June 20 at the historic Wakefield playhouse.
The musical, with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, follows hapless floral assistant Seymour Krelborn, who pines for his coworker Audrey while nursing a strange seedling to life — only to find it growing into a carnivorous plant with devilish intent.
“Having always been a fan of the movies, I was aware of Little Shop of Horrors from a very early age,” said owner and producer Bill Hanney. “It began as a black and white film, which was then transformed into a stage musical and a few years later a film adaptation of the musical was made starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, who originated the role of Audrey on stage, and Steve Martin, who played the sadistic dentist. I love every version of Little Shop and completely understand why it has always been so popular!”
The production is directed and choreographed by the husband-and-wife team of Bob Richard and Diane Laurenson, who previously directed and choreographed the theater’s productions of “Footloose,” “Chicago,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “West Side Story.” Milton Granger, who has music directed numerous Theatre By The Sea productions including “42nd Street,” “Jersey Boys,” “CATS” and “Mary Poppins,” serves as musical director.
Deon Releford-Lee, who portrayed Ike in the Broadway production of “TINA – the Tina Turner Musical,” and Anna Telfer, who toured nationally in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” make their Theatre By The Sea debuts as Seymour and Audrey. Fred Sullivan Jr., who recently appeared in the theater’s productions of “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hairspray” and “Tootsie,” plays Mr. Mushnik. Justin Michael Duval makes his theater debut as Orin Scrivello, and Jaelle Laguerre voices Audrey II. The urchins Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon are played by Adeera Laini Harris, Myriam Zamy and Charity Williams. Rounding out the cast are Mia Angelique, Julia Bibeault, Jack Ducat, Dean Hernandez, Jordan Okeke and Andy McLeavey.
The show is being produced for Theatre By The Sea by Hanney, Producing Artistic Director Kevin P. Hill and Associate Producer Bob Richard. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Preview performances are scheduled for May 28, with opening night on May 29. Performances run Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m., with special performance times on Sunday, May 31, at 2 and 7 p.m. and an added Wednesday matinee on June 17.
The theater is located at 364 Cards Pond Road. Tickets for preview performances are $64, with all other performances ranging from $66 to $96. Additional fees may apply, and group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling 401-782-3800, ext. 112.
Tickets are available at the box office, online at theatrebythesea.com or by calling 401-782-TKTS (8587).
Located on Rhode Island’s South Shore, Theatre By The Sea has produced summer theatre since first opening on Aug. 7, 1933. Bill Hanney purchased the property in 2007 and continues to produce a four-musical subscription season along with a late-night cabaret series, a children’s theatre festival, a summer theatre camp and a Monday evening concert series.
