So, you're humming "Suddenly, Seymour," right? You’re picturing that crazy plant, Audrey II, belting out tunes and demanding to be fed. But have you ever stopped to wonder *when* all this mayhem actually happens in Little Shop of Horrors?
Not-So-Specific Time Travel
The truth is, Little Shop plays it pretty loose with the timeline. It's not like Marty McFly zipping back to a precise date in his DeLorean. The story hints at a setting sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s.
Think about it: the fashion, the music, the whole vibe of Skid Row screams vintage. But the creators cleverly avoided pinning it down to an exact year.
That's part of the magic! It allows the story to feel timeless, like a fable that could happen in any era of economic hardship and weird science experiments.
Clues in the Culture
Even without a specific date, the musical and the movie are packed with cultural references that nudge us towards that mid-century period.
Consider the girl group, Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon. They're a clear homage to the popular girl groups of the early 1960s, like The Crystals (obviously!), The Ronettes, and The Shirelles.
Their catchy tunes and beehive hairstyles instantly transport us to that era. The overall feel of the story really seems to highlight a simpler, less complicated time.
The Charm of Ambiguity
The vagueness of the timeframe actually enhances the story's charm. We don't get caught up in historical accuracy. Instead, we can focus on the characters and their bizarre predicament.
Imagine if the story was set in 2024. Audrey II might be demanding organic smoothies and posting selfies on Instagram. The humor just wouldn't be the same!
By keeping the time period ambiguous, the creators allow the story to be relatable to audiences of all ages. It's a testament to the power of great storytelling.
Skid Row: A Place Out of Time
Skid Row itself feels like a place frozen in time. It's a forgotten corner of the city, where dreams go to die and strange plants can inexplicably thrive.
The run-down buildings, the struggling businesses, and the desperate characters all contribute to this sense of timelessness.
It's a setting that allows for the extraordinary to happen, because who would ever believe anything normal could come from Skid Row?
So, When *Does* It Take Place?
Ultimately, the "when" of Little Shop of Horrors isn't as important as the "what." It's a story about ambition, love, and the dangers of making deals with suspiciously talking plants.
Whether it's 1958, 1962, or some other year entirely, the message remains the same: be careful what you wish for... especially if it involves a bloodthirsty Venus flytrap.
So next time you watch Little Shop, don't worry about pinpointing the exact date. Just sit back, enjoy the catchy tunes, and remember to feed the plants... but maybe not with your arm!
