Somewhere that's Greene

Who isn't a fan? Ellen Greene simply WAS Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors" Off Broadway in the original 1982 production and in the terrific 1986 Frank Oz movie version. You just can't see anyone else in the role. Believe me. We saw the wonderful Kerry Butler play Audrey in the 2003 Broadway production, and she was the weakest part of the show. No one can hold a candle to Ms. Greene.

Long before her appearance in this season's quirky TV show "Pushing Daisies" we had the chance to catch Ellen Greene doing a cabaret act at the marvelous Joe's Pub. It was Valentine's Day 2004. A magical night. Ellen's fabulous voice hadn't changed a bit in the 25 years since the cast recording of Little Shop. She sang standards, show tunes and contemporary songs with such complete conviction and emotion (from joy to heartbreak) that the whole room was hanging on each note.

At the end of her set when Ellen sang her signature song, "Suddenly Seymour," she said to the audience, "Sing with me." The entire room sang along, but you heard Ellen above it all. It was like being in the show with her. It was amazing watching her recreate such an iconic stage song in person. And being able to sing along (just as we all do with the cast recording) was a total delight.

Meeting her after the show was an excellent end to the evening. She was as sweet and lovely and unassuming as you would expect Audrey to be.

If you ever get the chance to see Ellen Greene perform live, take it.