Before you think that this sounds heavy, the truth is that all of the despicable activities in “Little Shop” are driven by and meant to fulfill the evil machinations of Seymour’s blood-thirsty companion. So, with that much of the absurd story in hand, you are free to lean forward into the lush performances of the tunefully rich Menken/Ashman score to see how this all turns out for the star-crossed lovers. It is familiar territory for the versatile Jones who played Seymour at Ford’s Theatre, has toured with “Jersey Boys” and recently headlined a sold-out Bobby Darin concert series at the Mercury. He takes a deep dive into Seymour’s milquetoast skin, displays a brilliant comic range, oozes the simple charm of the role’s innocence and showcases his formidable vocals all night long—but at no point more so than in his soaring anthem with Tretta, “Suddenly Seymour.”
It is easy to see why Seymour, and everyone else, falls for Tretta’s Audrey—a sensitive and touching turn for one of Chicago’s bright rising stars who appeared last season as Gilda Radner at the Mercury. Tretta’s nuanced and heartfelt performance of the signature ballad, “Somewhere That’s Green,” is truly remarkable.
