Jake Gyllenhaal is back! Mere months after stockpiling a bunch of critical accolades for his performance in the metaphysical romance Constellations -- his Broadway debut, incidentally -- the Oscar nominee with deep Hollywood roots is set to play Seymour, the luck-impaired flower shop employee who falls prey to the evil gastronomic machinations of a supersized houseplant in the sci-fi satire Little Shop of Horrors. Gyllenhaal, it seems, cannot pry himself away from the seductive powers of the New York stage – or an opportunity to explore new performance genres.
Scheduled for three performances only – July 1st and 2nd at 7:30 and a bonus matinee (added to quell ticket demand) on the 2nd at 2 pm – this Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) Alan Menken (music) marks the musical theatre debut of both Gyllenhaal and costar Taran Killam (yes, that guy from SNL), who plays the loony sadomasochistic dentist boyfriend of Audrey, the girl of Seymour’s dreams.
Which brings us to Audrey played by, get this, Ellen Greene – the same actress who originated the role not only Off-Broadway but also in L.A., London and the 1986 film version. And while some might observe that this Tony nominee (Threepenny Opera opposite Raul Julia back... well, back), has aged out of ingénue roles, don’t even think about writing her off as Audrey. Greene’s ability to channel the character’s wide-eyed loopy innocence is, I suspect, ingrained and timeless.
So if it seems Gyllenhaal is positioned to scoop up the most cheers, applause and yadda, yadda, yadda during this micro-brief run (and don’t get me wrong, he’s a bona fide phenom/hunk and super talent), you’ll be facing a seriously ebullient surprise when Greene’s fans get their nostalgia on: her return to the New York stage in this role is a big, fat stroke of brilliance and don’t they know it.
Little Shop is the second production of Encores! Off-Center 2015 Season at their New York City Center home – one of Off-Broadway’s most coveted and influential spaces.
Tickets – if they haven’t sold out -- can be purchased at the New York City Center Box Office (W. 55th St. bet. 6th and 7th Aves., by calling 212-581-1212, or by visiting NYCityCenter.org.
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