The cast of Little Shop of Horrors at PlayMakers is stacked with powerhouse talent, jaw-dropping vocals, and enough charm to light up Skid Row. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog, swooning over a star-crossed romance, or keeping a wary eye on a certain flesh-eating plant, these performers will leave you thrilled, entertained, and begging for more.
Meet Our Seymour: Robert Ariza
Seymour Krelborn (Robert Ariza, PlayMakers Debut)
The heart of Little Shop is none other than the lovable, awkward, and unexpectedly heroic Seymour, played by the phenomenal Robert Ariza. With a voice that soars and a depth of character that makes you truly feel for this underdog, he brings both comedy and heart to this unforgettable role.
Robert has appeared off-Broadway in productions of The Visitor and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as well as touring shows of Hamilton and Les Misérables.
Audrey, Brought to Life by Maya Jacobson
Audrey (Maya Jacobson, PlayMakers Debut)
Our leading lady, Maya Jacobson, brings charm, warmth, and a stunning vocal performance to the sweet and wistful Audrey. You’ll fall in love with her tender heart and big dreams—just like Seymour does. And when she sings “Somewhere That’s Green”? Get ready for goosebumps.
Maya has appeared Off-Broadway in Fidler Afn Dakh and Amerike the Golden Land at The National Yiddish Theater. She has also appeared nationally in regional productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Beautiful: the Carole King Musical, A Crucible 001, and more.
The Many Faces of Jim Bray (Orin Scrivello, et al.)
Orin Scrivello, et al. (Jim Bray)
Dentist. Deranged. Delightfully over-the-top. PlayMakers resident company member Jim Bray takes on not just the infamous, sadistic Orin Scrivello, DDS, who you’ll love to hate, but also a variety of zany roles that keep the laughs coming. His versatility and comedic timing are nothing short of show-stopping.
The 3 Urchins: Crystal, Chiffon & Ronnette – The Show Stealers
What’s Little Shop without its fabulous, sassy, scene-stealing Greek chorus? The powerhouse trio of Shayla Brielle G. (Crystal), Breia Joelle Kelley (Chiffon), and Shelby Sykes (Ronnette) brings the house down with their pitch-perfect harmonies, sharp wit, and undeniable stage presence. These three are pure magic—and trust us, you’ll be singing along with them all night. This marks all three of their PlayMakers Debuts.
Shayla Brielle G.’s favorite credits include the first National Tour of Ain’t Too Proud, Mamma Mia, and All Shook Up.
You may recognize Breia Joelle Kelley in her recent regional productions, including Bull Durham: The Musical (Theatre Raleigh) and Elf: The Musical (NC Theatre). She was also featured in the national tour of A Bronx Tale.
Shelby Sykes was featured in the National Tour of The Color Purple and has appeared in many fabulous musicals, including Once On This Island, Into The Woods, and The Wiz.
Audrey II: The Voice of Micaela Shanyce Bundy
Audrey II (Micaela Shanyce Bundy, PlayMakers Debut)
That voice! That attitude! That hunger! Micaela Shanyce Bundy brings Audrey II to life with a powerhouse performance that is both deliciously devious and utterly irresistible. Her vocals will shake the rafters—and make you think twice before buying your next houseplant.
She is a classically trained vocalist and arts coach who has appeared in regional productions of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, Gypsy, and Oklahoma. She was a featured vocalist for Andrea Bocelli’s 2024 tour, Freedom Series: North Carolina Symphony, Oprah Winfrey’s 2020 Vision Tour, and White House – In Observance of Black History.
Mr. Mushnik, Played by Jeffrey Blair Cornell
Mr. Mushnik (Jeffrey Blair Cornell)
Longtime PlayMakers favorite Jeffrey Blair Cornell brings his signature depth, humor, and old-school charm to the role of Mr. Mushnik, the cranky yet endearing flower shop owner. He’s got a sharp tongue, a keen business sense, and maybe—just maybe a soft spot for Seymour.
You last saw him as the iconic Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. You’ll see him now in a completely different light!
Bringing Audrey II to Life: Puppeteers Elizabeth Dye & Matthew Donahue
Audrey II isn’t just a puppet—it’s a full-blown spectacle, thanks to the expert work of Elizabeth Dye and Matthew Donahue. Their seamless coordination, expressive movement, and behind-the-scenes wizardry make the giant man-eating plant a living, breathing (and hungry) character you won’t forget. Watch it keep growing, and growing…
Meet the Creative Team
Jeffrey Meanza (Director)
A longtime PlayMakers favorite, Jeffrey Meanza brings his signature energy and theatrical expertise to Little Shop of Horrors. With a career spanning directing, acting, and arts education, Jeffrey has worked extensively with regional theatres across the country. His vision for Little Shop highlights its humor, heart, and the thrills of sci-fi horror, delivering a production that’s as visually exciting as it is emotionally rich.
Jeffrey is an actor, director, and educator with nearly two decades of experience leading regional theaters, including his role as associate artistic director at PlayMakers Repertory Company. He has directed productions such as Misery and The Legend of Georgia McBride. He currently serves as the executive director of the State Theatre in Modesto, California.
Tristan André (Choreographer)
You may recognize Tristan from his solo work in 2023, They Do Not Know Harlem. Well, he’s back! Tristan infuses Little Shop of Horrors with high-energy, dynamic staging. His choreography channels everything from classic doo-wop to campy horror, ensuring the show’s physical storytelling is as sharp as its biting humor.
Alex Thompson (Music Director)
With a deep love for musical theatre and an impeccable ear for harmony, Alex Thompson leads the Little Shop band. A frequent collaborator on PlayMakers productions, Alex ensures that every doo-wop riff, rock ballad, and belt-worthy moment shines. His expertise in vocal coaching and arranging brings new depth to Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s iconic score, making each song as infectious as Audrey II’s appetite.
Regina García (Scenic Designer)
A nationally recognized scenic designer, Regina García transforms the stage into a vivid, lived-in Skid Row where dreams and dangers lurk around every corner. Known for her stunning, immersive designs, Regina brings an eye for detail that makes Mushnik’s flower shop feel both familiar and fantastical. Her work has been seen at theatres across the country, and her set for Little Shop is as richly textured as the story itself—right down to the last creeping vine.
Grier Coleman (Costume Designer)
A wizard of texture, color, and style, Grier Coleman crafts costumes that effortlessly transport audiences to the offbeat world of Little Shop of Horrors. From Audrey’s sweet, vintage-inspired looks to the Urchins’ street-smart glam, every piece tells a story. Grier’s designs have graced Broadway and regional stages alike, and her vision for this production blends 1970s flair with a touch of the unexpected—because in Skid Row, appearances can be deceiving.
Morgann Russell (Sound Designer)
Bringing the sounds of Skid Row to life, Morgann Russell ensures that every snap, clap, and monstrous growl is heard with crystal clarity. An expert in immersive audio design, Morgann creates a sonic landscape that heightens both the comedy and the horror of Little Shop. Whether it’s the tight harmonies of the Urchins or the deep, menacing tones of Audrey II, her work ensures the show sounds as thrilling as it looks.
Charlie Morrison (Lighting Designer)
A master of mood and atmosphere, Charlie Morrison uses lighting to transport audiences from the grimy streets of Skid Row to the dazzling, otherworldly glow of Audrey II’s influence. With years of experience designing for Broadway tours, opera houses, and regional theatres, Charlie’s lighting design sets the tone for every twist and turn of Little Shop, from the neon hues of the flower shop to the shadowy suspense of a man-eating plant on the loose.
Additional Creative Team:
- Assistant Director: Chelsea James
- Assistant to the Lighting Designer: Bill Nowlin
- Dramaturg: Gregory Kable
- Dramaturgy Fellow: Lexi Silva
- Vocal Coach: Tia James
Our cast and creative team are guided by our wonderful stage management team: Sarah Smiley, Aspen Blake Jackson, and Sarah Patisaul.
Don’t miss this fabulous cult-classic! Little Shop of Horrors is on stage April 9 – 27, 2025.