Ellen Greene Crosses Atlantic as Betwixt! Triplets

Ellen Greene, who starred in the Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors as well as appearing alongside Rick Moranis and Steve Martin in the musical’s subsequent film adaptation, will return to the West End in the upcoming production of Betwixt!.

Greene joins the previously announced Steven Webb, Ashleigh Gray and Benedict Salter in the production which opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 28 July 2011 (previews from 26 July). She plays identical triplets in the production, taking on the roles of The Enchantress, Princess and Nymph Queen.

Ian McFarlane‘s musical tells the story of New York writer Bailey (Salter) and his flamboyant roommate Cooper (Webb) who are catapulted into a strange enchanted world. Their arrival fulfils a prophecy telling of a brave hero and a great queen and they are tasked with searching out a fading daytime TV star who is the only hope for saving a pregnant princess from losing the throne. The musical promises “sitcom-styled dialogue and a toe-tapping score”.

Greene was last seen in London performing her cabaret show Torch! at the New Players Theatre (now Charing Cross Theatre), accompanied by her husband and musical director, Christian Klikovits.

In addition to Little Shop of Horrors, her stage credits include The Prince and the Aviator, In the Boom Boom Room and Three Men On a Horse on Broadway as well as a 2009 concert version of Guys and Dolls at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles. Greene was also nominated for a Tony for starring as Jenny in The Three Penny Opera at Lincoln Center.

Her television roles have included sci-fi series Heroes and Pushing Daisies with big screen appearances including Paul Mazursky film Next Stop, Greenwich Village.

Speaking about today’s announcement producer Christopher D Clegg said in a press statement: “We are looking forward to working with Elllen and have her create a role (or three!) in Betwixt!. To have Ellen returning to her musical theatre roots is exciting for the entire creative team, and we are looking forward to having her fabulous presence and unmistakeable voice back on the West End stage.”

Further casting is still to be announced.

Betwixt!, which plays a limited run at Trafalgar Studios to 20 August 2011, has choreography by Grace Harrington and is produced by Christopher D Clegg.