Little Shop of Horrors - 'Suddenly Seymour' (1983) - MDA Telethon

Check out Ellen Greene and the cast of Little Shop of Horrors as they perform "Suddenly Seymour" during the 1983 MDA Labor Day Telethon! This is rockin' performance guaranteed to have you wanting more!

The MDA Labor Day Telethon was an enchanting yearly variety show that ran for half a century. Hosted for many years by Jerry Lewis, the telethon featured top stars from the world of music, comedy, and Broadway and was like no other show on earth.

[MrTreCarter]

The contrast from her quiet voice to her belting voice is crazy

[saladfingersasmrparty]

I’m glad to know Audrey II supports fighting muscular dystrophy

[gordyCA]

Ellen Greene is untouchable in this role. UNTOUCHABLE. But this clip is a wonderful reminder of just how incredible Lee Wilkof was in the show. What a fantastic find; thank you!

[princejohnneyfan]

For alleged “fans” there sure is a lot of ignorance in the comments. It takes a minute of googling to know this Seymour’s name is Lee Wilkof, he originated the role, he’s a year younger than Ellen and Rick isn’t here because the movie came out in 1986 and this was filmed in 1983. Now can we talk about their talent or are we just gonna repeat “who’s this?” “Why does he look so old” 🙄

[tillyboos]

She's the BEST Audrey, and ALWAYS will be. The original performer in this case is the (& will ALWAYS be) BEST perfomer in the role. And she was great in the movie version too with Rick Moranis. Ellen Greene is AWESOME! She's also VASTLY underrated generally speaking. I've literally watched her steal scenes from actors like George Clooney & Michelle Pfeiffer. She's REALLY also a GREAT actress. ❤️ Ellen Greene and ALWAYS will.

[Phaota]

I'm so glad they got Ellen to do her role in the classic film. It just wouldn't have been the same without her vocal talent.

[dwainedurrett]

4:27 the way she just screams “Suddenly Seymour” is amazing. This whole performance is.

[DJoy]

Some of you are so mean. He has a lovely voice! Just because he isn’t Rick Moranis doesn’t mean that y’all have to trash him 🙄 Ellen is perfection as always ❤️

[michaeldelia]

Ellen green owns that song. And that part, i cant imagine anybody else doing it. Bravo. Throwing roses at her.

[humblenepobaby]

for all the people trashing him for being "old" him and Ellen are both the same age.

[Rosalie]

Aww i love Lee Wilkof! He's such a sweetie and orginated the role! Now they've got pretty boys like Jeremy Jordan playing seymour and some of the jokes don't land. Seymour isn't supposed to be gorgeous.

[dezreajeann]

Everytime I hear her voice I instantly get goosebumps. My lord, shes an absolute angel.

[monkeySkeptic]

Here after seeing the Broadway revival with Jonathan Groff and Tammy Blanchard in these roles. They were great, but this original cast remains unparalleled.

[Nansbbgrand]

We know Ellen’s The Best Audrey, but this guy (who?) definitely gives a wonderful rendering of Seymour; sweet, tender, sincere, emotional.. 100% PRESENT in the role. Beautiful!

[KeelyBurnMusic]

I honestly love Lee Wilkof as Seymour, at least I love his singing voice. I thought the dialogue before the song was a bit stiff and un-emotive, but really it was just a prelude to the song so I understand if they didn't go all out. Ellen Greene is just amazing, though imo this is not the best performance I've seen of hers. She puts so much heart into her singing.

[peaceistheanswer]

This was three years before the movie was made.

[danieldostermanntv]

Her Voice is incredible. The Whisper and the Belting Abilities are impeccable especially wrapped up in all that Emotion 🏆💯

[paulmaxwell]

I always get goosebumps when I hear Ellen Greene sing this song. She is incredible.

[ellietyson]

You can see how much Ellen Greene has progressed, and gotten better at at acting and even singing compared to this (in 1983) and the film (in 1986)

[ChrisM-hzvg]

4:23 - 4:28 when not even the freakin building you're in can contain your voice.