Cinema VinesEllen Greene, now 75, is once again embodying the unforgettable Audrey in the 40th‑anniversary celebrations of the cult classic “Little Shop of Horrors.” The actress, who first captured audiences as the tragicomic shopgirl in the 1982 off‑Broadway production and later in the 1986 film directed by Frank Oz, has been asked to return to the role for a series of screenings and live performances across the country, from Seattle to Atlanta. Her voice—breathy, squeaky, lispy, and unmistakably New York—has become the hallmark of the character, a sound that Greene says emerged spontaneously during her audition and has since become an icon.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Greene reflected on the moment the voice appeared, admitting she didn’t consciously craft it. “I didn’t think about it,” she said. “It was weird, I mean, I don’t know where half of this stuff came from.” The role, which she describes as the defining point of her long and varied career on stage and screen, has seen her return for sold‑out shows in 2015, when she shared the stage with Jake Gyllenhaal as Seymour.
During the anniversary tour, Greene will perform “Somewhere That’s Green,” a ballad that holds a special place in her heart. She recalls first hearing the song while waiting in an unemployment line and quietly singing along. “I just knew there was an Audrey inside of me waiting to be born,” she said. The number, written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, was originally staged for the film with a dramatic set change that kept the character on a trash can, a detail that Greene humorously recounts when she calls Ashman to ask where her trash can is.
Greene’s journey to the role was not a glamorous one. When she began rehearsals at the WPA Theatre in New York, she was paid just $50 a week for a month of rehearsals and two months of shows. Despite the modest pay, the production became a hit, attracting the attention of stars like Steve Martin and Mary Tyler Moore, who came to see the show. The film’s creation was a long, bumpy road, with director John Landis eventually stepping in to bring the story to the screen.
Now, as the 40th anniversary arrives, Greene is set to travel nationwide, sharing her iconic performance and the timeless music of “Little Shop of Horrors” with new audiences. Her return to the role promises to be a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans old and new alike.
