**Ethan Slater Embraces Seymour in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Revival**
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Ethan Slater, known for his role in *Wicked*, has taken on the iconic character of Seymour Krelborn in the Off-Broadway revival of *Little Shop of Horrors*. Currently performing at the Westside Theatre, Slater stars alongside the talented Betsy Wolfe, who portrays Audrey. Recently, he shared insights about the production and his emotional journey during rehearsals.
In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Slater reflected on a surprising moment during rehearsals where he found himself deeply moved while singing the duet “Suddenly Seymour” with Wolfe. “It made me cry the first time we sang it together,” Slater recounted. “I couldn’t believe it. I was like, ‘What’s happening? Why am I so moved?’” He acknowledged the song’s universal appeal and explained how singing so closely with Wolfe imbued it with new meaning.
Although *Little Shop of Horrors* has been a cherished piece of theatre since its inception, Slater admitted he did not have a strong familiarity with it prior to landing this role. “I don’t have this deep connection to it that a lot of people do,” he said. His understanding of the show was limited to a single high school production he attended when he was in eighth grade. However, his perspective changed dramatically after watching the current Off-Broadway production, which debuted in 2019.
“It’s an incredible production. It’s so good,” he remarked, acknowledging the plethora of talent that has graced the show over its run. The production has featured some of the finest names in theatre, including Jonathan Groff and Darren Criss, making it a coveted experience for performers.
Slater was taken aback by the craftsmanship that went into the musical. “It really is a perfect musical,” he stated. “It’s so brilliantly written and meticulously crafted. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s real, and it’s also crazy.” This realisation has enriched his performance as he delves into the nuances of his character and the story.
*Little Shop of Horrors* tells the tale of Seymour, a shy florist whose discovery of a carnivorous plant leads to unexpected fame and fortune, alongside a darkly comedic twist. Joining Slater and Wolfe in the cast is a talented ensemble, including Claybourne Elder as Dr. Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., and Reg Rogers as Mr. Mushnik.
This marks Slater’s return to musical theatre following a successful stint in the Broadway revival of *Spamalot*. Before that, he made his Broadway debut to critical acclaim for his portrayal of SpongeBob SquarePants in the musical adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon series. Since then, his career has flourished, with major roles in the upcoming film adaptations of *Wicked*.
Reflecting on his current experience with *Little Shop*, Slater noted the rapidity of the rehearsal process. “You’re kind of shot out of a cannon,” he explained, referring to the challenge of quickly learning choreography, music, and the character’s emotional depth. Fortunately, working alongside Wolfe, a Tony nominee herself, has made this transition smoother. Their immediate chemistry has contributed positively to their performances, enhancing their portrayal of the romantic lead roles.
As he settles into his role, Slater finds joy in the physicality of the performance, inspired by silent film legends like Buster Keaton. “I’ve always loved falling,” he said, highlighting how physical storytelling is integral to his character work. The inclusion of such elements adds a layer of charm and humour to his portrayal of Seymour.
The interaction with the audience has been particularly gratifying for Slater. He has experienced the joy of engaging with die-hard fans of the musical, as well as newcomers discovering it for the first time. “Some people have seen four different Seymours and Audreys. Some people, it’s their first time going to any play at all,” he said, capturing the diverse audience that the production attracts.
Returning to the stage, especially after the phenomenon of *Wicked*, has reinforced Slater’s belief in the importance of genuine passion in performance. He remarked, “It was really special and very validating as an artist to be among that energy. It’s cool to care about what you’re doing. It’s cool to love it and to give it your all.”
As Slater embarks on this exciting chapter in his career, he brings a fresh perspective to the beloved character of Seymour. With tickets now on sale for *Little Shop of Horrors*, audiences can look forward to a performance infused with heart, humour, and the undeniable talent of Ethan Slater and his co-stars.