It was the little 1960 low-budget film, Little Shop of Horrors, that first brought the indelible characters of nerdy Seymour Krelborn, his ditzy love obsession Audrey, her abusive boyfriend Orin Scriello, and most of all the talking, man-eating plant Audrey II to a skid-row florist shop.
A wildly popular off-Broadway musical in 1982 brought the story back to life. A color film in 1986, directed by Frank Oz, and numerous live stage productions worldwide since have kept the show an audience cult favorite.
Described as a “horror-comedy rock musical,” Little Shop promises to be a fun late winter diversion at the Duluth Playhouse. With his distinctively recognizable and deep bass voice, Gabriel Mayfield will be playing Audrey II in the Playhouse’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Originally from Chicago, Gabe has been an important part of the area theater scene since his first show at UWS in 2000, where he majored in visual arts with a minor in theatre. He gives special thanks to the late John Munsell, beloved UWS professor, who believed in Gabe and his talent and gave him the role of Audrey II.
“Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to be cast in over thirty plays and musicals locally. Some of my favorite shows include Fences, Parade, and Rent.”
“One of the shows that stands out for me was the Playhouse production of Rent. I felt like I was in a movie every night we performed, and the cast was extremely talented,” he stated.
Another show that stands out for him, and one he would like to play in again, is August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences. “I would love to play Troy Maxson again inFences. That role really challenged me as an actor and storyteller.”
Of his current role in Little Shop, Mayfield explained, “I’ve played the voice of Audrey II four times, once at UWS in 2000, twice with the Duluth Playhouse in 2002 and 2010; then I toured with the Black Hills Playhouse in South Dakota in 2009, and now again with the Duluth Playhouse.”
He added, “Audrey II is like me in many ways. This character is funny, full of life, with a big voice, and an appetite for attention. I’m enjoying working with this very talented cast. The creative process has been fun and exciting.”
“This production emphasizes an intimate experience where the audience feels the immediate threat of the plant,” Mayfield said. “Cast members bring a unique energy to iconic roles, with actors often given the freedom to ‘make the characters their own.’”
More Information about Little Shop of Horrors
Duluth Playhouse at the Norshor Theatre
March 13-29, 2026
Music by Alan Menken. Music & Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Tickets available at destinationduluth.co/dp-little-shop-of-horrors
This deviously delicious sci-fi musical comedy has been devouring the hearts of theatre goers for over 40 years. Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour Krelborn, a meek flower shop assistant who discovers a strange and otherworldly plant he names “Audrey II,” after his longtime coworker crush. But Audrey II isn’t your average houseplant—it’s a bloodthirsty, R&B-singing carnivore with dreams of world domination. Throw in a sadistic dentist, a hard-to-please boss, and a chorus of all-knowing skid row onlookers, and you’ll see why audiences across the globe can’t resist Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s campy, creepy, and outrageously fun show. This cult classic is not to be missed!
(From the Duluth Playhouse website)
