Liz Gillies And Milo Manheim: 5 Shocking Ways Their *Little Shop Of Horrors* Reunion Redefines Hollywood Chemistry

The electric pairing of Elizabeth "Liz" Gillies and Milo Manheim has taken the New York theater scene by storm, proving that their professional collaboration is one of the most exciting developments of late 2024 and early 2025. The duo, both celebrated veterans of television and film, are currently starring as the iconic romantic leads, Audrey and Seymour, in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of the musical *Little Shop of Horrors*. Their casting has brought a fresh, high-wattage energy to the beloved show, drawing in a "next generation" of superfans who are eager to see the *Victorious* and *Zombies* stars share the stage. The immediate and palpable chemistry between Gillies and Manheim has been a major talking point, stemming from a shared background that goes deeper than just their professional resumes. Their success in the roles has been so significant that their run at the Westside Theatre was quickly extended, cementing their status as a must-see theatrical event. This article dives into the unique bond, shared history, and surprising dynamics that make the Liz Gillies and Milo Manheim partnership a defining moment for both their careers and the future of musical theater.

Complete Profile: Liz Gillies and Milo Manheim

Before their celebrated turn as the doomed lovers Audrey and Seymour, both Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim built impressive careers in Hollywood, each starting as a young performer. Their biographies highlight a consistent history in both acting and singing, which makes their current collaboration a natural, yet highly anticipated, evolution.

Elizabeth "Liz" Gillies: The Broadway Veteran and TV Icon

• Full Name: Elizabeth Egan Gillies
• Born: July 26, 1993
• Birthplace: Haworth, New Jersey, United States
• Profession: Actress, Singer, Dancer, Voice Actress
• Career Highlights:
• Broadway Debut: Lucy in *13: The Musical* (2008)
• Breakout Role: Jade West in the Nickelodeon series *Victorious* (2010–2013)
• Iconic TV Role: Fallon Carrington in The CW series *Dynasty* (2017–2022)
• Other Notable Work: Voice of Daphne in *Winx Club*, starring in *Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll*
• Current Project: Audrey in *Little Shop of Horrors* Off-Broadway revival.

Milo Manheim: The Disney Star and Paranormal Lead

• Full Name: Milo Jacob Manheim
• Born: March 6, 2001
• Birthplace: Venice, California, United States
• Profession: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Producer
• Family Connection: Son of Emmy Award-winning actress Camryn Manheim.
• Career Highlights:
• Breakout Role: Zed in the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise *Zombies* (2018–present)
• TV Lead: Wally Clark in the Paramount+ original series *School Spirits* (2023–present)
• Theater: Deaf West's production of *American Idiot*
• Reality TV: Runner-up on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 27
• Current Project: Seymour in *Little Shop of Horrors* Off-Broadway revival.

The Shared History: Bonding Over the "Ex-Child Star" Status

One of the most compelling aspects of the Liz Gillies and Milo Manheim pairing is how their shared history as successful young performers translated into instant on-stage chemistry. Gillies, a Broadway veteran from age 15 and a Nickelodeon star, and Manheim, a Disney Channel franchise lead, both entered the industry at a young age. This "ex-child star" status created a unique, immediate bond. They understand the pressures, the intensity, and the specific career path that comes with early fame. This mutual understanding allows them to approach their characters, Audrey and Seymour, with a similar, grounded perspective. Both Audrey and Seymour are outsiders with big dreams, and this shared professional experience likely helped them tap into the characters' vulnerability and yearning. Their similar approach to their work, marked by a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the craft, further solidified their collaborative rhythm.

5 Ways Liz Gillies and Milo Manheim Redefine *Little Shop of Horrors*

The Off-Broadway revival of *Little Shop of Horrors* has seen many talented pairings, but the casting of Gillies and Manheim has been hailed for injecting new life into the classic musical. Their performances resonate with a modern audience while honoring the show's dark, comedic roots.

1. Bringing "Next Generation" Star Power

The presence of Liz Gillies (known for *Dynasty* and *Victorious*) and Milo Manheim (known for *Zombies* and *School Spirits*) has successfully bridged the gap between classic musical theater and contemporary pop culture. They are drawing in fans who may have never seen the show before, effectively creating a "next generation of superfans" for the material. This influx of new, young theatergoers is a vital boost for the Off-Broadway scene.

2. The "Victorious" Connection to Broadway

Liz Gillies' return to the New York stage is a significant event, marking her first New York stage appearance in over 16 years since her Broadway debut in *13: The Musical*. Her close friendship with former *Victorious* co-star Ariana Grande, who is herself a massive theater fan, adds another layer of topical authority and interest to her return to the stage. Manheim has even commented on how much sense it makes that Gillies and Grande are close, highlighting the unique circle of talent they both operate within.

3. Praised Romantic Chemistry

The central relationship between the meek florist Seymour Krelborn and the insecure, abused Audrey is the emotional core of the musical. Critics and fans have overwhelmingly praised the "great chemistry" and "comedic timing" between Gillies and Manheim, noting their ability to portray a genuinely touching and believable romantic pair. This genuine connection is crucial for the audience to invest in their tragic story arc.

4. A Unique Age Dynamic

While the characters of Audrey and Seymour are traditionally played by actors closer in age, the real-life age difference between Gillies (born 1993) and Manheim (born 2001) is seven years. This difference is subtle enough not to be distracting but allows Gillies to bring a mature, world-weary quality to Audrey, contrasting beautifully with Manheim's more youthful, earnest portrayal of Seymour. This casting choice successfully highlights the dynamic of two disparate outcasts finding solace in one another.

5. An Extended and Acclaimed Run

The initial success and positive reception of their performances led to an extension of their run at the Westside Theatre. This extension is a clear indicator of the duo's box office draw and critical acclaim. They replaced a previous celebrated cast, stepping into the roles with confidence and making them distinctly their own for a new wave of audiences. The consistent demand for tickets throughout their tenure underscores their status as a powerhouse theatrical pairing.