Hi folks,

My daughter is appearing in an upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors for her high school drama course, and I have been asked to make a cake for the after-party.  I would like to emulate something very much like this:

I think I can manage it, as I've done a few sculpted cakes in the past, but I'm pretty stuck as to how to make the "head" of the plant itself.  I could do it out of RKT, I'm sure, but I'd rather figure out a way to make it in cake.  Also, whether in RKT or cake, I'm not sure how to accomplish what is essentially a "Pac-Man" shape--i.e., spherical, but with a gaping mouth.

I'm envisioning four 8" tiers for the flowerpot, tapered and covered with fondant. A wooden dowel for center support, and a ring of bubble straws to provide support for the cake board on top that will hold the "head." Maybe RKT would be the best way to go, really.  That way, I can sculpt it ahead of time and simply skewer it onto the wooden center dowel once the flower pot, "dirt," and vines are all finished.  Still, though, I don't know if RKT is strong enough structurally to accomplish that open mouth effect.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Is the mouth really open, or is that just black fondant giving it the illusion of being open? 

I have tried several methods for getting a completely spherical cake and it always takes up way more of my time than my clients are willing to pay.  Now I use styrofoam for the bottom half of the sphere and make the top half in cake.  They look much better and my clients are generally more concerned with the looks than it being 100% edible.

Good point.  It might just be black fondant.  Although, the curve of those teeth makes me think there is a small cavity, at least. I'd prefer not to use styrofoam if I can help it, but how about RKT for the bottom and cake for the top?  That might be a great compromise!

Edit: I guess I should also point out that the plant head is actually more of an egg shape than a sphere.  It's tough to tell from this photo.

Okay, it's not nearly as good as the inspiration, but here's what I came up with:

My sculpting could use a lot of work, but it was a lot of fun to make. And it was a hit at the play.

I think you did a beautiful job!

Thank you very much.  :)

I think you did an awesome job!  Looks great!!