Brownwood audiences looking for a theatrical experience that is funny, strange and larger than life can find it at the Lyric Theatre, where “Little Shop of Horrors” is running through Nov. 1. The production blends memorable music, practical stagecraft and an energetic cast to make the famously offbeat musical a strong showcase for the local theatre.

The story follows the unlikely rise of Seymour, a timid flower-shop employee whose life changes after a strange plant begins attracting attention and customers. As the plant grows, so do the consequences. The production leans into the musical’s darker material while keeping its humor and sense of spectacle at the center.

A detailed Skid Row and a plant that steals the show

One of the production’s most effective features is its set. Practical set pieces transform the stage into Skid Row, and the flower shop is filled with small details that make the setting feel complete. The production’s visual design gives the audience plenty to examine, from the shop itself to the changing environments around it.

Lighting adds another important layer. The design helps create a thunderstorm and increasingly tense, shadowed moments as the story takes on its murderous edge. Those darker scenes remain controlled rather than visually cluttered, allowing the humor and drama to work together.

The show’s central plant is brought to life by puppeteers Nate Olsen, Kelly Eddy, Cecilia Cardoza and Emma Lee. Together, they portray the plant through its different stages, from an appealing baby plant to a full-grown monster. David Nanny provides the plant’s voice work, adding to the creature’s intimidating presence.

A cast that commits to the material

April Tassin plays Audrey, the warm-hearted flower-shop employee who cares for Seymour while struggling to move on from her no-good boyfriend. Her performance draws immediate attention, supported by an engaging stage presence and strong singing voice.

Jackson Taylor plays Seymour as an awkward, sympathetic character at the beginning of the show. As the plant’s influence grows, Seymour becomes more confident and increasingly carried away by his success. Taylor’s performance uses the character’s gestures and mannerisms to show that transformation.

Levi Packer plays Mr. Mushnik, the shop owner whose interest in money leads him to take Seymour in when doing so becomes financially useful. Packer brings energy to the role through singing, dancing and a full commitment to the character.

The ensemble also helps give Skid Row its personality. Laira Card, Kiyah Lane and Trinitee Randle perform as the trio, while Alexander Glass plays Orin the Dentist. Christopher Freeland takes on several characters, adding variety and color throughout the production.

The musical numbers draw from rock, doo-wop and more traditional musical-theatre ballads. That range gives the score a distinctive sound, while the cast’s visible enthusiasm helps carry the audience into the show’s increasingly outrageous world.

Brownwood performance schedule

“Little Shop of Horrors” is scheduled at the Lyric Theatre in Brownwood from Oct. 16 through Nov. 1. Performances are set for:

  • Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Lyric Theatre’s official ticketing page, and the source also states that tickets may be purchased at the door. Residents should check the theatre’s ticketing information for current availability before attending.

For longtime fans of the musical, the production offers recognizable songs and characters with an especially committed local cast. For newcomers, its mix of comedy, horror, rock-influenced music and elaborate puppetry provides an accessible introduction to the story’s unusual appeal. The result is a production that embraces the musical’s fever-dream quality rather than trying to make it conventional.