Prepare to be swept off your feet and into a world of musical enchantment as Flint Repertory Theatre transforms the historic Capitol Theatre into a stage of extraordinary talent and energy. For two nights only, Flint Rep is bringing a sensational concert production of Little Shop of Horrors and it promises to be unlike any other.

Featuring a stellar cast of Broadway stars and a selection of Michigan’s very own performers, this wildly inventive rock musical is bound to leave you in awe. With a score that seamlessly weaves together rock, Motown and Broadway tunes, Little Shop of Horrors guarantees you’ll be tapping your toes and humming along to its infectious melodies.

Michael Lluberes, Flint Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director says he is very much looking forward to this production. He promises this concert version of Little Shop of Horrors will be like no other.

“We always like to have a little bit more fun; look at these musicals from a different angle. The show is so wild and hilarious, a true fan favorite. We are going to produce this material in a fresh, innovative way.”

Taking on the role of Seymour is the immensely talented Justin Huertas, an award-winning playwright, composer, and actor from Seattle. His original musical, Lizard Boy, received critical acclaim and premiered at Seattle Rep, eventually touring across the country and even had a stop at Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, before moving Off-Broadway.

“Seymour has been a dream role of mine ever since I saw Rick Moranis in the 1986 film,” says Huertas. “It felt so cool seeing a schlubby nerd at the center of this hilarious mythic tragedy – in the same way that a nerd like Peter Parker can be a hero like Spider-Man! It means the world to me to have the opportunity to lead this literally perfect musical!”

Lluberes’ vision for this production is clear: “I want it to feel like an event that can only happen once. And two, I want it to be fun, fun, fun, just joyously, riotously fun for the audience.”

Under the direction of Michael Matthews, a distinguished LA director, this show promises to be a remarkable theatrical experience.

“I could not be happier to be directing the rock concert staging for Little Shop of Horrors,” says Matthews. “I fell in love with this show around 30 years ago and am looking forward to finally presenting it. We are creating something incredibly special and unique, amplifying the honesty and truth of the world in which these characters live, and highlighting it with a rock-concert feel and the texture of a shattered disco ball.”

What makes this production even more special is its location at the Capitol Theatre.

“It’s such a beautiful venue,” says Lluberes. “A historic venue, and it’s right downtown in the center of everything, in the heart of Flint. It really has a pulsing downtown energy, and we’re really excited to produce there.”

This concert production of Little Shop of Horrors is unique in that it’s a two-night-only affair, emphasizing the short-lived nature of live theater, Lluberes explained.

“It’s an encouragement for people to come and see it because it’s never going to be performed like this again. It’s fresh, vibrant and loads of fun!”

There will be a five-piece band on stage led by local musician Brian E. Buckner, and the cast will be fully costumed, and there will be a minimal set. This approach ensures that the focus remains on the music, the performances and the sheer enjoyment of the audience, says Lluberes.

The Little Shop of Horrors score is nothing short of phenomenal. It effortlessly blends elements of musical theater, Motown, R&B and pop, creating an infectious and unforgettable sound that’s bound to have you singing along.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for an evening of pure delight. There will be an intermission to give you time to catch your breath and savor the experience.

Little Shop of Horrors in Concert plays at FIM Capitol Theatre
Nov. 17 & 18 at 8 p.m.