The Voice Behind The Carnivorous Plant: Who Voiced Audrey II?
The iconic, insatiable plant from outer space, Audrey II, has captivated audiences for decades with its menacing charm and unforgettable songs. Its deep, resonant voice is as much a character as its ravenous appetite, leaving many wondering: who voiced Audrey II, the mean green mother from outer space? This question often leads fans down a fascinating path, uncovering the incredible talent behind one of cinema's most unique villains.
From its humble beginnings as a mysterious unidentified plant found by the nerdy orphan Seymour Krelborn in a Skid Row flower shop, Audrey II quickly grows into a global threat. But it's not just the plant's escalating size or its demand for human blood that makes it so memorable; it's the powerful, soulful voice that brings this botanical antagonist to life, transforming it from a mere prop into a truly terrifying and charismatic presence. Understanding the origins of this voice reveals a story as compelling as the plant itself.
Table of Contents
- The Iconic Plant: Audrey II's Origins
- The Unforgettable Voice: Who Voiced Audrey II in the 1986 Film?
- Levi Stubbs: Beyond Audrey II
- The Impact of Stubbs' Performance
- Other Voices of Audrey II: Stage and Screen
- The Enduring Appeal of Little Shop of Horrors
- Future Interpretations: Who Will Voice Audrey II Next?
- Why Audrey II's Voice Matters
The Iconic Plant: Audrey II's Origins
Before diving into the vocal talents behind the plant, it's essential to understand Audrey II's lineage. The character of Audrey II, with its ever-growing appetite and sinister charm, originates from a fascinating cinematic and theatrical history. Its roots trace back to a black and white Roger Corman film from 1960, aptly titled *The Little Shop of Horrors*. In this original cult classic, the plant was known as Audrey Jr., a simpler, less articulate carnivorous flora.
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The concept was then brilliantly adapted into a stage musical by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. This musical took the core idea and infused it with catchy Motown-inspired tunes, dark humor, and a heightened sense of theatricality. The plant, now named Audrey II, became a much more prominent and vocally demanding character, requiring a voice that could convey both seductive persuasion and terrifying menace.
From B&W Cult Classic to Broadway Sensation
The stage musical, which made its Broadway debut at the Virginia Theatre on October 2, 2003 (though it had a successful Off-Broadway run much earlier), became a massive hit. It told the story of Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's, a flower shop in urban Skid Row. One day, Seymour finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II, after his co-worker crush, Audrey. Little does he know, this plant has a taste for blood, and as it grows, its demands become increasingly sinister, leading to a dark, comedic spiral of events.
The success of the stage musical paved the way for the beloved 1986 film adaptation, directed by Frank Oz. This film brought the vibrant characters, memorable songs, and the formidable Audrey II to a wider audience, solidifying its place in pop culture history. The film starred Rick Moranis as Seymour, Ellen Greene as Audrey, and Vincent Gardenia as Mr. Mushnik. But for many, the true star was the ever-growing, singing plant, and the voice behind it.
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The Unforgettable Voice: Who Voiced Audrey II in the 1986 Film?
The question of who voiced Audrey II in the iconic 1986 musical comedy film *Little Shop of Horrors* has a definitive and legendary answer: **Motown legend Levi Stubbs**. His powerful baritone voice lent an unparalleled depth and character to Audrey II, transforming it into the mean green mother from outer space that audiences both feared and loved. It was his unique vocal style, full of emotional nuance and dramatic flair, that truly brought the carnivorous plant to life.
Director Frank Oz, known for his work with The Muppets, fought hard to cast Stubbs in the role. As Oz told The Hollywood Reporter, he had to fight to get Stubbs cast, much like he had to fight for Ellen Greene to reprise her stage role as Audrey. This commitment to securing the right voice underscores the critical importance of Audrey II's vocal performance to the film's overall impact and success. Stubbs' voice was not just a sound; it was an instrument that conveyed the plant's growing hunger, its manipulative charm, and its ultimate, terrifying ambition to conquer Earth.
Levi Stubbs: A Motown Legend's Legacy
Levi Stubbs was much more than just the voice of a carnivorous plant. Born on June 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, USA, Stubbs was a pivotal figure in American music history. He was the lead singer of the legendary Motown vocal group The Four Tops, renowned for their string of hits in the 1960s and beyond, including "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There." His distinctive, soulful voice was instantly recognizable and became a cornerstone of the Motown sound.
Stubbs' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to his immense contribution to music. Writers have consistently noted his emotional, often dramatic, style of singing, which made him a perfect fit for the theatrical demands of Audrey II. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his voice, from seductive purrs to booming threats, made Audrey II a truly dynamic and memorable antagonist. Viewers can easily find images and even sound clips of Levi Stubbs' characters from his voice acting career, with Audrey II being his most famous.
Levi Stubbs: Personal Data & Biodata
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Levi Stubbs Jr. |
| Born | June 6, 1936 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Died | October 17, 2008 (aged 72) |
| Occupation | Singer, Actor, Voice Actor |
| Known For | Lead singer of The Four Tops, Voice of Audrey II in *Little Shop of Horrors* (1986) |
| Notable Voice Roles | Audrey II (*Little Shop of Horrors*), Mother Brain (*Captain N: The Game Master*) |
| Musical Genre | R&B, Soul, Pop |
| Awards/Honors | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as part of The Four Tops) |
Levi Stubbs: Beyond Audrey II
While his role as the voice of Audrey II remains his most iconic voice acting credit, Levi Stubbs' talents extended beyond the carnivorous plant. He was also the voice of Mother Brain in the animated TV series *Captain N: The Game Master* (1989), a character notably similar in its villainous, disembodied nature to Audrey II. This role further showcased his versatility in bringing complex, often menacing, characters to life through voice alone. His work in *Captain N, The Game Master* and even a small role in *Queer as Folk* (2000) demonstrated his range as an actor, even if his singing career was his primary claim to fame.
Stubbs' ability to imbue characters with such distinct personalities, whether a giant plant or a disembodied brain, speaks volumes about his artistry. He didn't just read lines; he performed them, bringing his unique vocal textures and dramatic timing to every syllable. This dedication to his craft is what made his portrayal of Audrey II so enduring and impactful, making him the definitive answer to who voiced Audrey II for a generation of filmgoers.
The Impact of Stubbs' Performance
Levi Stubbs' performance as Audrey II is widely regarded as one of the most memorable voice acting roles in film history. His powerful baritone perfectly captured the plant's evolving personality: from a seemingly innocent sprout to a manipulative, bloodthirsty monster. He conveyed a chilling blend of charm, menace, and even a touch of theatricality that made Audrey II not just a villain, but a character with surprising depth.
The songs performed by Audrey II, such as "Feed Me (Git It)" and "Suppertime," are central to the musical's narrative and its appeal. Stubbs' vocal delivery in these numbers is electrifying, driving the plot forward and escalating the tension. He managed to make a giant puppet feel alive and terrifying, a feat that few voice actors could achieve. His voice became synonymous with the plant, so much so that for many, it's impossible to imagine Audrey II sounding any other way. This deep connection between voice and character is a testament to Stubbs' incredible talent and the profound impact he had on the film.
The film's original ending, where the plant was able to reproduce many saplings and conquer Earth, and Seymour was eventually eaten after trying to get rid of the plant, was reshot with a happier ending due to test audiences not responding well. However, even in the darker original cut, Stubbs' voice was the driving force behind the plant's ultimate triumph, making its conquest feel both inevitable and terrifyingly real.
Other Voices of Audrey II: Stage and Screen
While Levi Stubbs is the definitive voice for many who grew up with the 1986 film, Audrey II has been voiced by numerous talented actors across various stage productions and other adaptations. The role demands a powerful, charismatic voice, and many have risen to the challenge, bringing their unique interpretations to the mean green mother.
On stage, the voice of Audrey II is often a separate role from the puppeteer, requiring intricate coordination. For instance, in some productions, like the Charleston Light Opera Guild's *Little Shop of Horrors*, the voice behind the murderous alien is once again fulfilling a lifelong dream, showcasing the enduring appeal of the role. Actors like Je'shaun Jackson have portrayed the voice of Audrey II in various stage iterations, each adding their own flavor to the character.
Bringing the Plant to Life on Stage
The stage production of *Little Shop of Horrors* is a complex undertaking, especially when it comes to Audrey II. There are typically multiple puppets of increasing size, requiring a team of puppeteers. The voice actor, however, remains consistent. For example, in some productions, while a puppeteer like Jaramillo operates the plant, a separate voice actor, such as Junior Zenia Walker, provides Audrey's voice. Both Jaramillo and Walker spend weeks preparing to bring the plant to life. Although the two ultimately have different duties, Jaramillo needs to know his cues and memorize Walker's lines in order to carefully coordinate with one another, creating a seamless and believable performance.
Looking ahead, a remake of the film was planned, with Full Circle Cinema reporting in January 2020 that Taron Egerton was in talks to play Seymour and Scarlett Johansson as Audrey. Significantly, the report also mentioned **Billy Porter voicing Audrey II**. Porter, known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, would undoubtedly bring a fresh, yet equally formidable, interpretation to the role, continuing the legacy of powerful voices behind the plant. This casting choice further emphasizes that who voiced Audrey II is always a crucial decision that shapes the character's impact.
The Enduring Appeal of Little Shop of Horrors
*Little Shop of Horrors* continues to be a beloved classic, both as a film and a stage musical, largely due to its unique blend of dark comedy, catchy songs, and memorable characters. The story of Seymour Krelborn and his carnivorous plant touches on themes of ambition, consequence, and the allure of easy solutions, all wrapped in a wonderfully macabre package.
The enduring appeal of the plant itself, Audrey II, is a testament to its brilliant design and, crucially, the voices that have brought it to life. Whether it's the iconic portrayal by Levi Stubbs or the many talented actors who have taken on the role on stage, the voice of Audrey II is central to its identity. It's a character that manages to be both terrifying and strangely charismatic, a true testament to the power of voice acting in creating unforgettable cinematic and theatrical experiences.
Future Interpretations: Who Will Voice Audrey II Next?
As discussions about new adaptations or revivals of *Little Shop of Horrors* inevitably arise, the question of who voiced Audrey II will always be a hot topic. The role requires a performer with significant vocal prowess, a commanding presence, and the ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from seductive whispers to roaring demands. Billy Porter's potential involvement in a future film adaptation highlights the continued search for voices that can live up to the high standard set by Levi Stubbs.
Each new voice actor brings their own interpretation, adding new layers to the character while staying true to its core essence. This evolution ensures that Audrey II remains fresh and relevant for new generations of audiences, even as the original performances continue to be celebrated. The challenge for any new voice actor will be to honor the legacy of Stubbs while making the role their own, ensuring that the mean green mother from outer space continues to captivate and terrify.
Why Audrey II's Voice Matters
The voice of Audrey II is not merely a component of the character; it is the very essence of its being. Without a powerful, distinctive voice, Audrey II would be just a series of impressive puppets. It is the vocal performance that gives the plant its personality, its menace, its humor, and its chilling humanity (or lack thereof).
Levi Stubbs' iconic portrayal set the benchmark, demonstrating how a voice actor can elevate a character from a visual effect to a living, breathing (and singing) entity. His ability to convey the plant's escalating demands and manipulative nature through song and dialogue made Audrey II a truly unforgettable villain. The voice is what makes audiences believe that this plant can not only sing but also scheme, persuade, and ultimately, devour. It's a masterclass in voice acting, proving that sometimes, the most powerful performances come from characters we never even see.
Conclusion
The question of who voiced Audrey II leads us directly to the legendary Levi Stubbs, whose powerful baritone indelibly shaped the carnivorous plant into one of cinema's most iconic villains. His performance in the 1986 film *Little Shop of Horrors* is a testament to the transformative power of voice acting, turning a puppet into a terrifying, charismatic force. While many talented individuals have lent their voices to Audrey II on stage and in other adaptations, Stubbs' portrayal remains the gold standard, a testament to his incredible talent and the lasting impact of his contribution to both music and film.
We hope this deep dive into the voice behind Audrey II has been as fascinating for you as it was for us. What are your favorite Audrey II songs, and what do you think makes the character so enduring? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to explore more of our articles on iconic film and stage characters!
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