Little Shop of Horrors, starring Mitch Miller and Lindsey Jenné Hansom, premiered Thursday night to a packed house at the Clarence Brown Carousel Theatre.

Based on the 1960 movie, Little Shop of Horrors is a musical following the life of Seymour Krelborn (Miller), a florist who discovers a man-eating plant. The plant demands to be fed, and in return, brings fame and fortune to the florist shop, but not without consequences.

Little Shop of Horrors is directed and choreographed by UT Professor Terry Silver-Alford. All cast members are undergraduates except David Kortemeier, a faculty artist-in-residence who plays Mr. Mushnik.

The cast is very good and has put a lot of hard work into this show.Stage Manager Derek Waffel

"The cast is very good and has put a lot of hard work into this show," Stage Manager Derek Waffel said.

"The plant is really a series of 4 puppets...We do have an entire team of people assigned just to oversee the plant's operation," Silver-Alford wrote in a newsletter.The man-eating plant, known as Audrey II, proved to be quite a challenge for the cast and crew, but their efforts paid off, and the plant is definitely a highlight of the show.

Waffel encourages the community to come see the musical, which has something for everyone, whether it's horror, romance, or comedy.

"And how many other chances do you have to see a giant, man-eating plant that sings? It's perfect for Halloween!" he added.

Overall, the audience definitely seemed to enjoy themselves. The cast proved to be very talented and entertaining, and the plant added a unique aspect to the show.

Little Shop of Horrors officially opens Friday night at 7:30, and there will be a reception in the lobby following the performance. The show will run through Nov. 15.

For tickets, call the Clarence Brown Theatre box office at 865-974-5161 or Tickets Unlimited at 865-656-4444. You can also go online at www.clarencebrowntheatre.com.