On Sunday, Feb. 23 I had the pleasure of attending Ellen Greene's 7:30 PM concert at the Public Theater's Joe's Pub, and it was one of the most entrancing cabaret performances I've witnessed in a longtime. This was the
first I'd seen the singer-actress perform live, and the former Little Shop of Horrors star definitely wears her heart on her sleeve. Her emotional nakedness and fragility comes across in most every number she performs. With tears streaming from her eyes in just about every song, I was completely captivated by her repertoire, which included a mix of pop and theatre tunes.

Highlights of her generous set included her two Little Shop songs - compelling versions of "Somewhere That's Green" and "Suddenly Seymour", Tori Amos' haunting "Winter," Peter Allen's "Pretty Pretty," a vocally rich "Someone To Watch Over Me" and the Three Penny Opera revenge song,"Pirate Jenny." Greene announced that she is currently looking for backers for a solo recording, and one can only hope this multi-talented performer will also return to the stage.

She's been away far too long.