Combine eight of the most talented musical theatre actors living in Indianapolis, a small combo of veteran musicians, and a great black comedy book and score, and you end up with an evening of solid entertainment. No matter where you are. "Little Shop of Horrors" is just that, and the production that I am referring to just happened to take place at Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.

"Little Shop of Horrors," by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, was originally produced Off-Broadway in 1982. It's the story of a nerdy but likeable florist who finds his chance at happiness by raising a "strange and unusual" plant that feeds on human blood. The musical was based on a low-budget 1960 film of the same name, but is perhaps more widely known for the 1982 remake starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. The opening event of the Broadway Presents 2007-2008 series, "Little Shop..." is the latest annual installment of shows produced under the direction of Rob Leffler.

The cast was lead by Leffler, who deftly played Seymour with proper amounts of geekiness and charm, and Anne Beck as his love interest Audrey. From her voice, to her look, to her acting, she performed her role as good as any on Broadway, and I don't mean the street between Park and College. One of the best moments of the show was her lovely rendition of "Somewhere That's Green."

The rest of the cast were all stand outs, with Bobbi Bates, Cindy Johnson, and Kara Snyder as the three street urchins; Mark Fishback as Mr. Mushnick; Robin Ault as Audrey II; and Scott Beck as everyone else, including Orin the sadistic dentist. The highlight of this production was "Suddenly Seymour," which fittingly involved the entire ensemble. The show exhibited good pace, tight choreography, and great comic timing.

This production shows us that if you have the talent and good direction, you don't need lavish sets, costumes, or special effects to have a great show. If you missed "Little Shop of Horrors" you missed a lot, but be sure to look for future productions at Broadway United Methodist Church; you'll be on Broadway in more ways than one.