CENTERVILLE—”Little Shop of Horrors” is not a typical musical filled with love and laughter. Somehow though, the campy, macabre show manages to mix dark humor and horror into a comedy of sorts with a little love story thrown in. It’s horrifying yet endearing in a weird kind of way.

Currently on the CenterPoint Theatre Main Stage, “Little Shop of Horrors” has been a popular musical for decades. Its absurd plot centers around Seymour Krelborn and his co-worker, Audrey Fulquard who work at Mushnik's Flower Shop in a Skid Row neighborhood of New York City. They dream of leaving for a better life but it seems impossible to find a way out.

The shop owner Mr. Mushnik laments that his business is dwindling and he might be forced to close the shop unless they can find something that will bring customers back. Seymour, who is eager to please, loves working with plants and has developed a new breed he calls Audrey II. When he sits the unique plant in the shop’s window, it immediately draws the attention of a passerby who comes in to see it more closely and while he’s there pays double for a bouquet of roses. Mr. Mushnik is ecstatic, claiming this will save the business.

While caring for the plants, Seymour accidentally cuts his finger on a rose thorn. Audrey II reacts to the blood and Seymour discovers the plant needs blood to grow. That’s where things take a dark turn as he tries to keep Audrey II fed to bring in the customers. As word of the unique plant spreads Seymour has to find creative ways to do that.

In the meantime, Seymour has a crush on Audrey but she doesn’t really notice him until the abusive man she’s dating disappears that Seymour may have or may not have had a hand in.

As Audrey II grows bigger and bigger so does her appetite and she constantly cries to Seymour “feed me.” When a scientist comes to the shop to get a start from the plant so he can grow more, Seymour knows he has to find a way to put a stop to it.

Upbeat, catchy tunes offset the twisted plot and make it seem like nothing shocking is going on. 

Isaac Carrillo (TTHS) is fun as the unassuming Seymour Krelborn who isn’t as innocent as he seems. Audrey, (Emily Henwood, TTHS) is sweet but a bit naive as she hopes to leave Skid Row for a life with love and a white picket fence. He doesn’t have many lines, but puppet master Austin Payne (TTHS) steals the show as Audrey II.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a great lead-in to Halloween but be prepared for some surprises. The show runs through Oct. 13 Monday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees. Ticket prices range from $24-$41 and can be purchased online at https://centerpointtheatre.org/seasonal-shows/little-shop-of-horrors/ or at the box office 801-298-1302. CenterPoint is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.