Joy Woods & Alan Menken: Somewhere That's Green | Little Shop of Horrors NYC

Alan Menken invited our newest Audrey, Joy Woods, to his studio to record a very special rendition of “Somewhere That’s Green.”
🎥 by Brandon Shwartz

[@kaylamatters]

The adoration with which Alan looks at her is SO deserved - WHAT A STAR. As a theatre teacher I will be showing this performance to my students for ages to come as a masterclass in how to act a song!!!

[@NickLaDrama]

Came to say this! He looks at her like she’s singing it how he imagined it.

[@evandubbs]

Joy’s Audrey is the perfect mix of wide-eyed, cartoon charm and raw, unadulterated humanity.

[@Donillini]

Audrey is kind of a fallen Disney princess.

[@Pingeel]

@@Donillini AHHH SO TRUE

[@vcambridge-ph.d8030]

She sings and expresses with artistry that is superior. Bravo.

[@vcambridge-ph.d8030]

She sings and expresses with artistry that is superior. Bravo.

[@koook160]

I think... this is actually the best version I've ever heard of the song.

[@BallMarks]

Nobody will ever can beat Ellen Greene's perfect rendition, but this is a great one.

[@bernieappugliese2029]

I totally agree!

[@quinnaddison420]

@@BallMarks comparing actors is dumb, their characterizations couldn’t be more different

[@davidjamespoissant3448]

Yes! Just saw this in NYC, and tears were streaming down her face as she sang. It was the most beautiful rendition. The original production owns Suddenly Seymour, but Joy Woods made this song her own!

[@ModeFin]

Agreeed

[@aAryan0309]

THATS HOW YOU DO IT!!!! Not only has she made this song her own but she got to the true core of this song. It’s not just a cute wanting song, it truly is heartbreaking because Audrey doesn’t only think she can’t obtain this dream but she doesn’t believe she deserves it and Joy PERFECTLY displays that. It shows the hurt behind Audreys quirkiness. THANK YOU

[@rebeccam4397]

Well said. She performed this amazingly!

[@ChizutelumChira]

I was already crying anddd this comment made me cry more

[@user-of4yv7ji1b]

her version always makes me cry. She has a slight squeaky timbre to her voice that makes her sound so youthful and adorable. I love her.

[@josealfredo7063]

“I’m his…December ✨bride ✨”UUUGGGHH!!! The breath! The eyes! This was just, wow.

[@dexterechiverri6631]

O.M.G. Can it get any better?!

[@arm1783]

That's the EXACT moment that gets me every time!

[@justamakeupdude]

Joy embodies Audrey perfectly; she's caught up in the wonder of her fantasy, then realises it is just that - a fantasy. You can feel every emotion through the screen. The excitement, the hopefulness, the despair and the vulnerability. She captures everything that makes Audrey the captivating character that Audrey is,

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

Ellen Green will forever haunt this song. And I’ve seen any number of great performers try to pull off this role - and song - but somehow still not be able to escape Ellen Green’s indelible imprint. But I think Joy Woods has done it here. Really simple, uncomplicated, specific, honest, and just plain beautiful. First person outside of Ellen Green who made me weep at the end. Wow.

[@jefflrich]

This, exactly!

[@jdm-uk-yank]

You've put my thoughts, and feelings, into words. Cheers

[@jacksonhoopah]

I could not agree more

[@matteder3237]

1000% Percent agree.

[@misfittoys5873]

Every performer's dream must be to be looked at the way Menken looks at her. It's like they're falling in creative love with her and they're collaborating so beautifully, it's like he's hearing it for the first time and she's just wanting it to be the best for him.

[@GilesInk]

This made me cry. Actors of color finally getting a chance to play all kinds of roles. Quirky, neurotic, witty … thrilling to see. It wasn’t always that way and to see this is so gratifying. And what a beautiful performance! This expansive vision makes for better plays and musicals. Better theatre! BRAVO!✌🏾💛👏🏾

[@helenchelmicka]

❤❤👏👏

[@JPC_60]

Hear hear! 👏🏻

[@autumnconway3642]

Beautiful

[@sarahmae6282]

i have never understood what this song was supposed to make me feel until joy sang it. incredible.

[@rwenaldrich]

Right!? She Truly is Audrey!

[@12345678abracadabra]

2:21 Wow, the acting and emotion, she actually cried on command here...

[@vanessawyeth9037]

I saw her twice and she cried each time. Just a master class from start to finish.

[@mollyb2414]

The fact that she can sound so crystal clear with tears in her eyes is mind blowing.

[@FelipeWWoHP]

Joy Woods is stunning and incomparable as Audrey. She is perfection the entire show. RUN to see her in the Shop! I'm so glad I did, and I'm dying to go back 💚

[@tysargent9647]

She was actually a member of the original cast for this production, playing Chiffon.

[@leif1075]

Is this show back on Broadway now or something?

[@FelipeWWoHP]

@leif1075 the off-Broadway revival has been on since 2019 at the Westside Theater in NYC 👍👍

[@Katherine_Pan]

We NEED a studio recording of Joy singing this song!!!

[@tedmochen3730]

Absolutely stunning performance on top of her vocals here: She cried two lines of tears exactly at "better home," which is the summary phrase of the entire song. The tears reveal to us that Audrey knows she's only day-dreaming. That the sweet, manicured middle-class suburban life will never come true for her. While Greene's version brilliantly tows the line between campy and dark, this one solidly sits in the realism realm, which I believe is closer to Howard Ashman's original vision given his other I Want songs. Heartbreaking performance, devinely executed.

[@sprovisero]

To have a genius like Alan Menkin this enraptured with her singing is beyond. I saw Joy and Jeremy this past week and it was absolute perfection. Run to see this cast.

[@gabefuller5212]

I saw them Sat 8/26 evening performance. They were incredible!!

[@mamamcfreeman105]

Incredible! She really brought it home! I have a strong feeling she played Annie at some point too.

[@quinnaddison420]

She’s the best since Ellen Greene. I said it. Her innocence and youthful spirit are so refreshing with a character that’s usually played super rough around the edges. I love it.

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

Totally agree.

[@flyingkatya]

She sounds like a princess

[@ericaceous1652]

Fabulous singing by Joy Woods, Meken playing the song definitively - and a Galavant poster in the background. Many boxes ticked here.

[@MoarCheeseBirb]

Alan Menken subtly mouthing the words is adorable. Beautiful knowing they were Howard Ashman’s words.

[@franksmrcka9827]

She takes such a silly little song that’s half one liners and made it such an entire lovely little world. By far my favorite rendition I’ve ever heard.

[@nathanfogg5918]

Silly little song? I think maybe uou didnt get it? It is, imho, one of the best I Want songs ever written for a musical

[@franksmrcka9827]

@@nathanfogg5918 me oh my you took that personally. I wasn’t saying it’s a bad song or poorly written. Silly little song in that it’s a funny song. And most renditions you come across are played quite silly. I agreed it’s a great tune. No need to be bitter online.

[@Lady-Seashell-Bikini]

@@nathanfogg5918 Um, maybe YOU didn't get it? Half of it is satire of the 1950's version of the American Dream. It is an important song, but don't forget that it's not a fully serious song either.

[@TalisaTossell]

Joy woods is breathtaking

[@Smilealot62]

I just found Joy Woods today & she is such a beautiful talent 💛 hi from a New Zealander 🙋🏽‍♀️🇳🇿

[@disgruntledcashier503]

I'll sing Joy Woods praises as much as anyone else, but it should be noted how much passion Alan Menkens puts into the piano on Somewhere That's Green. Every time I hear him play it, I can tell he's playing it for Howard Ashman.

[@PS-DLMA]

Her vocals + Menken on keys = chills

[@callumpiper_]

brb sobbing she’s incredible

[@andrescamarillo7070]

I'm obsessed with this interpretation. I've had it on loop all week. Perfect vocal technique aside, Joy has filled this performance with such incredible complexity. It's vulnerable, innocent, hopeful, oozing with pain, and above all sincere.

[@aceflyer7432]

The way she interprets the song pierces the heart through and through. Goosies to the bones. She is growing in me. Loving heeeeeeer moreeeee..

[@briantuma1502]

I think Ellen Greene would approve. Finally someone who doesn’t try to imitate her and puts a fresh spin on Audrey

[@hunterwise5661]

The tears. OMG the tears. Is there anything this woman can't do?

[@RSBrowning74]

I know, I'm a little late. There are a few songs that can bring tears to my eyes due to how beautiful. I heard different singers sing this song, but Joy Wood's version is the only that ever brought those tears. Joy, you are amazing.

[@katherinekrueger1908]

Alan Menken can play anything from his huge compositional output at any time. He is purely following her and is rarely looking down. That is phenomenal. He is a modern day Mozart.

[@vanessawyeth9037]

Just saw her tonight for the second time. Tears streaming down her face while she sang this. I cannot get over how she has completely reinterpreted this role, and this song in particular, and made it her own. What a talent!

[@TritoneTelephone]

Just saw the show tonight. Joy Wood has a knockout voice!

[@spanishstudiolanguagecente4751]

We were there twice last week.. so good

[@matteder3237]

This is everything. Ellen Greene is amazing and deserves every praise…Honestly this is the best rendition since her. Pure Modern LittleShopofHorrors

[@jarno7546]

That 👏 Voice 👏

[@TheIntuitiveWizard]

OMG,, this is a stunning performnance. Joy Woods is a dream... my goodness, her talent is bringing me to tears. What a lovely young woman with a HUGE talent. Bravo! I in tears while writing my comment and when I looked up at the video so was Joy! Alan is right, she's adorable! SHe's got the IT factor for sure.

[@harrymedcalf4485]

When I tell you I’ve watched this around 43 times in the past 24 hours… that’s NO lie at all… I can’t get over how amazing it is! She’s such a star

[@enriquecastaneda3514]

She wasn’t even trying. She made it look and sound so easy ❤

[@danieljdorazio]

She’s perfect for Audrey! Literally had me in tears

[@bobbyseelye92]

Applause.. Standing ovation.

[@Chromolume]

In answer to Mr. Menken's question, no, she could not be any more adorable. I was so blessed to see her in the show a few weeks ago and she captured my heart from the very first moment. Her interpretation of the role was fresh and new and absolutely true to the character. Loved, loved, LOVED her (and the entire company) so much!

[@nobleone89]

I never realized how sad this song is until I heard Joy sing it

[@jenalikejenna]

It feels like really hearing it for the very first time. Melted, moved, met.

[@williambruno392]

has to be one of the most sincere musical theatre performers of the last 20-25 years. none of the put-on generalized sentimentality bullshit that constitutes 98% of acting through song, so refreshing.

[@jakeywells97]

Joy is the personification of magic, what a gift she is to the industry, little shop, future artists of colour and to the bloody world! Absolutely obsessed

[@YonatanZunger]

Holy crap. I'd never seen her Audrey until a few minutes ago, and I'm already convinced it's the best I've ever seen, bar none. She's amazing!

[@jojoco6737]

Damn.. what a tone. Hmm dreamy

[@raven3067]

I love how she was tearing up at the sound of her own voice.

[@ryanbrown7536]

She's absolute perfection. A true master of her craft.

[@Reeal15]

So excited to see her this summer. It seriously warms my heart to see this show getting so much love and care after all of these years. Not a half-baked, mediocre revival but a true labor of love to retell the original story in such a beautiful way. You can see it on Alan's face - she did the role and the song such perfect justice.

[@bofrazier1813]

STUNNING! Perhaps the best version of this song ever?

[@gjm2669]

What makes Joy and Ellen so good in this role is that they play it so real that you believe what they are singing about. This is the first time I’ve seen and heard Joy and she’s incredible. Her acting is perfect and her voice is lovely as lovely could be. Comparing Joy and Ellen in my opinion is wrong. Both were perfect for the role and each actress brings a special uniqueness to Audrey.

[@gabefuller5212]

I saw the show yesterday and Joy was incredible. She had the audience in the palm of her hand with this song. Bravo.

[@MrMadscotsman]

Oh my. She is so lovely, and with such a voice! This is WONDERFUL

[@holyman-emoguy8702]

Such a cheerfully sad song with an angelical and happy voice... Match made in heaven

[@MakeupUnscrewed]

This is literally phenomenal!!!! What an amazing singer/actress! Give her all the $$$ and roles!!!

[@spanishstudiolanguagecente4751]

We had tickets for last week.. saw her.. and loved the show so much.. we saw it again two days later.. fantastic!!!! RUN.. don't walk to see this show.. and Matt Boyle is great too!!!

[@TheCommentSmerf]

Her version has a confidence the original doesn’t have. It’s so good!

[@louloumusicofficial]

this is the most beautiful thing i have heard & seen in a long time!!🥺🥺

[@VetsrisAuguste]

One of the best songs ever written for the stage.

[@douginsj]

Pure beauty. We all cried with you. Brava!

[@ajcoots5454]

Just saw her a few days ago and my god, not only does she sound phenomenal, it was acted perfectly. Highly recommend going to see her.

[@WickedSairah]

would LOVE to have a recording of this whole show with her. amazing!

[@madeleinereads]

One of the best Audreys I’ve ever heard!

[@sarahtalley5988]

menken with her makes me tear up, she’s a disney princess 😭😭

[@allysonmessina1785]

Wow, she really hooked me in the end. That was great!

[@mariomazzetti]

Look at the way he looks at her.

[@gabefuller5212]

I wouldn’t mind a movie remake with Joy! ❤

[@alexandra-mia9901]

she is brilliant

[@roadkill_666]

I love Alan Menken. The foundation of all the original Disney songs

[@tattie6362]

Joy Woods, I’m such a fan!! I went to see you two times and still couldn’t get enough of your amazing performance. Beautiful voice and phenomenal acting, truly my favorite Audrey! ❤️

[@orcaunoo]

i’ve always thought this song was charming and sweet but first time getting chills hearing it. wow

[@timothylong880]

Alan Menken is an inspiration!!! Love his music! And Joy made me tear up singing! I’d love to see her on Broadway!!!! She put her heart into this! A true actress!!!

[@Kristine_202]

I bought tix to see Jeremy Jordan but now I'm even more excited. Wow!

[@kathleenb1878]

I saw her perform this last night and am truly still shooketh she was ACTING for her life!! truly incredible

[@cameronjunkroski7262]

I watched this last weekend, and let me say, Best Cast Ever! First time I saw it too! Love to hear a full soundtrack of the resent cast!

[@lilyrenee3972]

Perfect. Best version I've ever heard. Hands down.

[@Nicole-cy8px]

She’s gorgeous

[@Jbowyerjr]

I see Little Shop in a week and I am so excited to see her live, she sounds absolutely amazing here! I saw Lena Hall in December, and she was phenomenal, and I know Joy will be great too!!

[@spanishstudiolanguagecente4751]

Saw it twice last week.. absolutely stunning..

[@seanscommentary]

I love her singing and acting. It's so honest and pure.

[@DoctorBella]

Holy Cow! Now that is connecting to the text!

[@TerryAraguz]

Brilliant performance! You are very talented!!

[@lmv888]

no one ever has or ever will live up to joy woods' audrey, she is just perfect 😭😭

[@juliastern4825]

she's just so wonderful, this is flawless in all ways.

[@StaceyWhite-b2z]

Wow, wow, wow...I'm speechless! Absolutely beautiful!!

[@fandomonium3789]

Lovely performance and amazing vocals.

[@corneliusbates460]

This is perfection. I gotta see this

[@MegaCc73]

blew me away - W O W - perfection

[@jenniferaustin6778]

I keep watching this video over and over and over! Joy’s performance is the BEST! Thank you, Joy!

[@jpmanga]

This woman is superb in her own right.

[@elizabeth5985]

One of the best if not THE best version I've ever seen. That song is heartbreaking when it is done well, but it needs to be so full of hope--while knowing it will never happen and you're life will never be one you're hoping for. People always just play her dumb and sexy. This girl played her sweet and trusting and tragic, which was SPOT ON.

[@sophiebannan4677]

I love love love that Alan is just enjoying the beauty the entire way through this piece. Incredible

[@alexishernan4289]

Joy woods did a great job with this song You can really feel the emotion as she sings

[@roadkill_666]

I'm back and love this. It must be such an amazing feeling to see the younger generation carrying on your music.

[@josephlycettbarnes]

This is actual perfection

[@leanneporterfield268]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!

[@xtremeyoylecake]

Her voice is gorgeous and you got THE Alan Menken on there ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤