BroadwayRadio Special Episode: Ruby Lewis on Finding Her Audrey Voice in ‘Little Shop’

Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Matt Tamanini
Guest: Ruby Lewis

Episode Overview

In this special BroadwayRadio episode, host Matt Tamanini sits down with Ruby Lewis, the acclaimed actress currently starring as Audrey in Riverside Theater’s Little Shop of Horrors in Vero Beach, Florida. The conversation explores Ruby’s unique process of finding her version of the iconic Audrey voice, her journey with this “cult musical,” the joys and discoveries of working in regional theater, her wide-ranging stage and voiceover career, and her love for Halloween and Disney. The episode gives listeners an insider’s glimpse into regional theater production life and the artistry behind breathing new life into a beloved character.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Preview & Tech Process at Riverside Theater

• Ruby’s Excitement About Live Audiences (03:14)
  • Ruby describes the anticipation and energy of finally performing before an audience after weeks of rehearsal. She notes:
    • “You really just need an audience, especially for a show like this... The show has truly come to life with people in those seats.”
    • She enjoys the rare “cult musical” dynamic where some audience members sing along and bring a “Rocky Horror”-style enthusiasm, which she finds energizing, not distracting.
      • “I thought it was hilarious. It tickled me.” (04:18)
  • The process of previews is new for the Riverside Theater and has been “super helpful” for refining comedic timing and audience interaction.

2. Discovering Her Audrey – Sincerity, Comedy, and Camp

• Striking an Honest-Camp Balance (05:41)
  • Ruby entered the production intent on playing Audrey with sincerity, referencing script notes to not “overplay” the jokes:
    • “These are sincere characters... it’s not meant to be shticky... but you do have to find the shtick in it, and especially by the end, the camp of it.”
  • She relishes discovering comedic facets within Audrey, a departure from her typically more dramatic roles.
• Developing the Audrey Voice and Accent (09:49)
  • Ruby’s Audrey accent emerged “organically,” influenced by Ellen Greene but avoiding imitation:
    • “I didn’t want to mimic her, but I did want to emulate her.”
    • A slight lisp and particular vocal placement evolved in rehearsal: “It’s weird how it kind of just organically started happening... It’s like putting—I put it on kind of like I put on the coat at the top of the show, and it kind of miraculously stays there.”

3. The Joys, Growth, and Community of Regional Theater

• Growth Through the Process (06:54, 07:51)
  • Ruby credits her director and friend DJ Salisbury with providing a supportive environment for discovery:
    • “I think it’s also because our director... has given me space to discover. And in that discovery, I feel proud.”
  • Regional theater here feels collaborative and nurturing, from “hugs, hugs, hugs, first day of school” to spontaneous cast bonding (e.g., pumpkin carving—13:59).
  • She praises Riverside’s leadership, especially amidst ongoing renovations and community engagement: “This community drives this theater, and the theater drives the community.” (14:41)

4. Halloween Traditions & Fun

• Costume Hunting Philosophy (11:14)
  • Ruby loves Halloween, favoring vintage, biographical costumes discovered organically through thrift shopping.
    • “I generally, I lean into the biographical. I like to be a person, like an actual someone who has lived.”
  • Memorable past costumes: Twiggy, Janet from Rocky Horror, Elizabeth Taylor, and aspirations for Diane Keaton.

5. Versatility Across Media – Acting, Voiceover, and Beyond

• Approach to Different Performance Modes (16:05)
  • Ruby sees a through-line between acting onstage, on camera, or in voiceover:
    • “The acting always feels the same to me... My intention is always to convince the audience... that I am that character and that I am speaking the truth.”
  • She shares a recent voiceover experience as a Brooklyn owl for a Jeep commercial and references her work as Malibu Barbie, noting how kids play her song “Dreamhouse” over and over—“So I’m like the coolest. I’m the coolest friend.” (17:48)

6. Assembling a Stellar Cast

• Deep Respect and Camaraderie (18:31)
  • Ruby describes the ensemble as uniquely star-powered: “We all agreed everyone is a star in this show. Every single individual.”
  • Highlights include:
    • The “urchins”—three powerhouse women blending both vocally and with big personalities.
    • Nicholas Ward (Seymour) with “eight Broadway credits,” who turned down a New York offer for this production.
    • Clint, the actor/puppeteer behind Audrey II, “animates that puppet” remarkably.
    • Mushnik’s actor is described as an “actor’s actor,” with notable tv/film credits.
    • Adam LaSalle (the Dentist) surprises audiences with both charm and comedic range.
    • Ruby finds something special in being an “older” Audrey alongside an “older” Seymour:
      • “There’s an urgency in their love story being older that I think really works in this production and is very sweet.”
    • On (almost) missing out because of age: “Sometimes you think you got to let go of roles that you want to play... So to have this opportunity feels—I don’t want to say swan song... but it is sometimes you have to let roles go because you think maybe you’ve aged out of them.” (21:48)

7. Personal Fulfillment in the Role of Audrey

• The “Which Audrey Are You?” Instagram Moment (23:14)
  • Ruby identifies with the most “giddy, grinning” photo:
    • “I am the Audrey with the giddy grin on my face and just hugging, you know, getting a good, warm hug... I’m going to be a number three until the show closes.” (23:37)
    • “I just feel like a kid in a candy shop. I’m just pleased as punch.”

8. Florida Adventures

• Looking Forward to Disney World (24:11)
  • Ruby eagerly anticipates a trip to Disney World, making the most of her time in Florida and reconnecting with childhood experiences.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On audience participation:

  • “It kind of feels like we’re doing, you know, like a Rocky Horror type thing where people feel comfortable being a part of the show.” – Ruby Lewis [04:47]

• On acting across media:

  • “The acting always feels the same to me... My intention is always to convince the audience that I am that character and that I am speaking the truth, I guess, if that makes sense.” – Ruby Lewis [16:05]

• On the uniqueness of older leads:

  • “There’s something different when the Seymour and the Audrey are both... maybe a little past their prime... There’s an urgency in their love story being older that I think really works in this production and is very sweet.” – Ruby Lewis [21:42]

• On gratitude for the role:

  • “I just feel like a kid in a candy shop. I’m just pleased as punch.” – Ruby Lewis [23:37]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:14] – Ruby’s reflections on previews and audience energy
• [05:41] – Balancing comedy and honesty in Audrey’s character
• [09:49] – Crafting her unique Audrey accent and vocal approach
• [11:14] – Halloween traditions and costumes
• [13:59] – Community and camaraderie in the Riverside company
• [16:05] – On acting consistency across media and disciplines
• [18:31] – Shout-outs to castmates and the production’s collaborative dynamic
• [21:42] – The impact of age on portraying Audrey and Seymour
• [23:14] – The “Which Audrey are you?” Instagram and personal fulfillment
• [24:11] – Disney World plans and childhood nostalgia

Episode Tone

Warm, enthusiastic, collaborative, and genuine.
Ruby Lewis and Matt Tamanini maintain a conversational, mutual-admiration style that highlights the joy and artistry of regional theater and infuses excitement about community and personal growth. The tone conveys both the fun quirks of live theater and the thoughtful processes at work behind the scenes.