Hold on to your hats, theatre fans! A Disney superstar and a Broadway breakout are about to collide in the most deliciously dark way possible: Joshua Bassett, fresh off his Emmy win, and the incredibly talented Joy Woods are heading to the West Side Theatre to star in Little Shop of Horrors! This isn't just another casting announcement; it's a potentially explosive mix of youthful energy and seasoned stage presence that's got everyone buzzing.
Bassett, known to millions as Ricky Bowen from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, is taking a giant leap from the screen to the stage. Remember that Emmy he snagged for Outstanding Original Song on the show? That musical talent is about to be unleashed on unsuspecting theatergoers as he makes his New York stage debut as the lovable, yet hapless, Seymour Krelborn. He's stepping into some pretty big shoes, but something tells us he's ready for the challenge. And Bassett's trajectory from Disney Channel to Off-Broadway lead is a fascinating one, prompting the question: Can a TV heartthrob truly capture the quirky essence of Seymour?
Joining him is the phenomenal Joy Woods, who's already a Little Shop alum! She previously wowed audiences as Chiffon before stepping into Audrey's iconic pink shoes, performing opposite Broadway heavyweights like Matt Doyle and Jeremy Jordan. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that Woods is the definitive modern Audrey, bringing a vulnerability and vocal power that's hard to beat. Her recent Tony nomination for The Notebook and roles in Six and Gypsy solidify her status as a true Broadway star. The fact that she's returning to this role speaks volumes about her connection to the show and the character.
Mark your calendars! Bassett and Woods will officially begin their run on December 19th, and their limited engagement is scheduled to continue through March 1, 2026. Current Seymore and Audrey, Madeline Brewer and Thomas Doherty, will be giving their final performances on December 7th, with understudies filling the roles in the interim.
And this is the part most people miss... Little Shop of Horrors isn't just about the leads. The supporting cast is crucial, and this production boasts some serious talent! Andrew Durand will be sinking his teeth into the role of the sadistic dentist, Dr. Orin Scrivello DDS, while Christopher Swan takes on the curmudgeonly Mr. Mushnik. Christian McQueen will voice the ever-hungry Audrey II, with Christine Wanda as Ronnette, Savannah Lee Birdsong as Crystal, and Morgan Ashley Bryant as Chiffon rounding out the dynamic trio of street urchins.
For those unfamiliar, Little Shop of Horrors features a brilliant book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and unforgettable music by Alan Menken – the team behind Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. The off-Broadway revival, directed by Michael Mayer, originally opened on October 17, 2019, and has been a smash hit ever since.
So, what do you think? Can Joshua Bassett capture the quirky charm of Seymour, and will Joy Woods continue to reign as the ultimate Audrey? Will this fresh pairing breathe new life into a beloved classic, or are some roles better left untouched? Sound off in the comments below! We want to know your predictions!
