by Jason Epperson

Mercury Theater Chicago has announced that Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will follow its hit production of AVENUE Q which just concluded an extended run.

Executive Director L. Walter Stearns has flirted with full seasons, but his business model has allowed for longer runs when a hit like AVENUE Q presents an opportunity. Open-ended runs can present holes in the schedule when they close, and the Mercury’s primary space will remain dark while they prepare LITTLE SHOP for March.

Menken and Ashman’s doo-wop Skid Row musical about a plant that comes to life and has a thirst for blood has received two major Equity-affiliated productions in Chicago over the last couple of years, but it’s an ideal title for the Mercury’s mid-sized venue, and a savvy attempt to turn those AVENUE Q patrons into repeat customers.

Stearns will direct, with Eugene Dizon as musical director and Chris Carter providing the choreography. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will run March 1 through April 28.

More info at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at the Mercury Theater box office at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.