Ellen Greene (AUDREY):
A brassy, Brooklyn-born musical comedy actress, Greene has also made a name for herself as a nightclub chanteuse. She began singing in such Manhattan clubs as Reno Sweeney's and The Brothers & Sisters while attending Rider College in NJ, and was discovered by a scout for The New York Shakespeare Festival. Greene performed in such shows as "In the Boom Boom Room" (1974) and "The Threepenny Opera" (for which she won a Tony nomination in 1977). She also appeared in "Funny Face" (1978-79), the ill-fated "The Little Prince and the Aviator" (1981) and scored a great hit as the lovelorn Audrey in the stage-musical comedy "The Little Shop of Horrors" (1982). Ellen played the role of Audrey for two years on stage, 18 months in America and 6 months in London's West End. Greene became romantically involved with Marty Robinson, who played the man-eating plant Audrey II in the show.
Greene was the only original member of the show cast to be asked to recreate her role in the 1986 film version, and thank God! Greene's performance is utterly stunning, wow...what a voice, brilliant! When John Landis was set to direct, Greene was told the part was hers. Rick Moranis already had the part of Seymour, so Greene rehearsed and sang 'Somewhere That's Green' with Moranis for the screen test.
"They wanted to know how I could handle lip-synching"...
...two weeks later, Frank Oz phoned and Ellen was told she had the part...
"I just screamed...I had really wanted to do it so badly. So did a lot of other name actresses. I was proud of what I had achieved on stage with Audrey but I was convinced they would go for a name. But what's in a name? I have one just like anybody else." ©Ellen Greene (Jan. 1987)
Under
Oz's direction, Greene has changed her performance in the film, "On
stage you have to get closer and see inside the character more. I'm competing
with myself, I'm convinced people will say "Well, she wasn't as good
as she was in the show", and vice versa. I'm seriously considering
going to china when the film has its premiere!"©Ellen
Greene (Jan. 1987)
Although Seymours role in the film was enlarged, Audrey's remained the same as in the show. But Greene has no regrets. She was excited about a new dream sequence being added to "Somewhere That's Green", and being on film, more and more people would fall in love with Audrey's charming character and Ellen's fantastic portrayal.
"I DIDN'T EXPECT TO FEEL AS WARM, AS LOVED OR AS COMFORTABLE WITH THE FILM, BUT I DO..."©Ellen Greene (Jan. 1987)
More Star Quotes HERE
Picture Gallery HERE
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Ellen's Filmography: |
Ellen's TV appearances: |
PLEASE HELP!
I am undertaking the task of creating an 'Ellen Greene' website and would
be greatful for any info, pictures, quotes etc you have for this fantastic
tallent. Thanks. m.a.coombes@durham.ac.uk
Contact the WebMaster at m.a.coombes@durham.ac.uk