Flower shops are sanctuaries for the soul.

The blooms, the vibrant colors, the reassuring greenery, the wafting fragrances, the beautiful floral arrangements, the crisp air of the cooler as you choose a rose bouquet for that special someone, the gardener’s trowels and tools, the horticulture-related gifts: It all can lift the spirits and snap the senses to brighten a gloomy day, gloomy week or gloomy life.

Flower shops are a delight.

Not this one.

The flower shop owned by Mr. Mushnik is one of the glummest stores in town, or in this case, the ‘hood, barrio, or “Downtown (Skid Row),” as the Company sings with giddy conviction in the first act of “Little Shop of Horrors,” right after the opening number title song, just to make sure you get the 10-20. The setting makes the musical’s premise all the more ironic and chock-a-block with chuckles.

The DeSales University Act 1 production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sept. 26-Oct. 6, is a delight despite or maybe because of its dire and dangerous setting when an extraterrestrial plant takes over Mr. Mushnik’s shop and anyone who gets near, or in the way, of the man- and woman-eating plant nicknamed Audrey II by store employee Seymour to curry favor his co-worker crush Audrey.

The DeSales’ production is hilarious, with lots of out-loud laughs, amusing moments, and fizzy singing and dazzling dancing. The Sept. 29 matinee was seen for this review.

The musical, based on the 1960 schlock-shock film directed and co-written by B-movie meister Roger Corman, has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and book by Ashman.

The musical opened off-Broadway in 1982 and on Broadway in 2003. A movie based on the musical was released in 1986.

An off-Broadway revival continues, noting its fifth anniversary in the West Side Theatre, New York City, Sept. 19, with the unveiling of a statue of Audrey II, on view through Oct. 17 in Times Square.

The DeSales Act 1 Performing Arts 2024-25 season-opener, “Little Shop of Horrors,” directed with wonderful whimsy by John Bell, Professor of Theatre at DeSales University, is superb from curtain to close.

Music Director Ryan Touhey doubles on piano in the crackerjack five-piece ensemble of Lehigh Valley go-to pros Lucille DeMassi Kincaid, keyboard; Mike Lorenz, acoustic, electric guitar; Tyler Hooker-Haring, bass, and Bob Stevens, percussion (including bells, bongo, castanets) all balanced by sound designer Jonathan Cannon.

The rollicking rock ‘n’ roll-inspired score with dashes of doo-wop and a modicum of Motown is augmented with splashy choreography by Devon Sinclair, precisely and brilliantly danced by the girl-group name derived Chiffon (Ava Mascio), Crystal (Maya Marino Cappello) and Ronnette (Zara Patel) as the trio sings their splendid harmonies into your heart.

The little shop is something to behold. It’s a magnificent mess, with realistic-looking ramshackle walls and props that spill over the stage, even to the wings in the scenic design by Parris Bradley with prop designer Sandra Lopez and lighting design by Eric T. Haugen.

Center stage, of course, is Audrey II, the big-gulp plant. Audrey II puppeteers are Bella Lucano and Teddy Novak. The voice of Audrey II is Abigale Townsend. Puppet coach is Samantha Beedle. The coordination of the puppet and mouth movement and voice synchronization is excellent. The Audrey II puppets are created by and rented from Character Translations.

Even more center stage is the role of Seymour, played with pop-eyed alarm and charming sincerity by Tommy Stacherski.

Audrey, his co-worker, is independent and winsome as successfully portrayed by Rosie Dunphy.

Mushnik is amusingly played by Ryan Plunkett. Orin is played as a believable bad guy by Carter Sachse.

Costume designer LeVonn Lindsay provides Audrey with a resplendent dress of emerald green, the trio of Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette in rousing attire and Seymour and Mushnik with nebbish plaid and sweater attire, respectively.

The cast standout vocals on the many zippy numbers include especially those for “Mushnik and Son” by Ryan Plunkett (Mushnik) and Tommy Stacherski (Seymour), and the musical’s signature song, “Suddenly, Seymour,” by Stacherski (Seymour), Rosie Dunphy (Audrey), and the trio of Ava Mascio (Chiffon), Maya Marino Cappello (Crystal) and Zara Patel (Ronnette).

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a fun musical rendered with the right amount of fun-in-cheekiness by DeSales University Act 1.

You may never look a gift plant in the mouth the same way ever again. Fortunately, flower shops still delight. Except for one.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, 27, 28, Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5; 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 9:45 a.m. Sept. 30. Act 1 DeSales, Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. 610-282-3192, https://www.desales.edu