Constance Wu, known for her roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Hustlers,” will be making her New York stage debut in the Off-Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors” this fall. The actress will take on the role of Audrey, while Corbin Bleu, of “High School Musical” fame, will play Seymour. Their performances will begin on September 26th at the Westside Theatre.
This casting announcement comes as Jeremy Jordan, who currently plays Seymour, is set to have his final performance on September 17th. Additionally, Joy Woods, who plays Audrey, will take her final bow on September 24th. The production has seen various cast members throughout its run, including Jonathan Groff and Maude Apatow.
Although best known for her on-screen work, Wu has also appeared in stage productions in Los Angeles, such as “2:22: A Ghost Story” at the Ahmanson Theatre last year. She expressed her excitement about joining the cast of “Little Shop,” stating that it has been her favorite musical since childhood. Wu loves the music and relates to her character’s scrappiness and ability to find beauty in simple things. She is eager to perform alongside Corbin Bleu and experience the thrill of live theater with an audience.
On the other hand, Bleu is no stranger to the stage, with Broadway credits including “Kiss Me Kate,” “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn,” “Godspell,” and “In the Heights.” He mentioned being a fan of “Little Shop” since childhood, calling it a perfect musical. Bleu is looking forward to finding the dynamic between Seymour and Audrey alongside Wu, as they both have a love and passion for live theater.
“Little Shop of Horrors” first premiered Off-Broadway in 1982 and centers around Seymour, a florist, and his coworker Audrey, who stumble upon a carnivorous plant. The show features a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, known for his work on Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and music by Alan Menken, who composed the scores for “Aladdin” and “Newsies.” The revival of the musical is directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Ellenore Scott.
The current cast members of the production include Bryce Pinkham as Dr. Orin Scrivello, Brad Oscar as Mushnik, Aaron Arnell Harrington as The Voice of Audrey II, D’Kaylah Unique Whitley as Ronnette, Tiffany Renee Thompson as Crystal, and Khadija Sankoh as Chiffon.
As Wu and Bleu join the cast, they will bring their unique talents to the roles of Seymour and Audrey, adding their own interpretations to the beloved characters. Audiences can expect an exciting and fresh take on this classic musical, filled with memorable songs and a captivating story.
The revival of “Little Shop of Horrors” has been a hit since it began running at the Westside Theatre in 2019. With Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu now leading the cast, the production is sure to continue its success and draw in even more theater enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to see these talented performers bring the story of Seymour and Audrey to life on stage.
