Like many of her contemporaries, Melissa's passion for performing was evident at an early age; she was enrolled in acting classes at her local community theater, music lessons (she plays the violin), and attended a renowned performing arts sleep-away camp, French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, for several formative summers. What sets her apart from her peers, however, is an unparalleled passion for her craft coupled with an unrivaled determination to succeed in show business, counterbalanced with an easy-going, down-to-earth demeanor and an exuberant giggle.
Melissa is an alumnus of Northwestern University's prestigious theatre program, having graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Music Theatre certificate. She made her professional debut in Chicago even before she graduated college, featured prominently in the world premiere of The Teapot Scandals of 1923, a Jeff Award-nominated musical comedy detailing the “Watergate” of the Warren G. Harding presidential administration. Melissa continued to maintain a presence in the Chicago theater community, appearing in Light Opera Works' 2007 season production of Kiss Me, Kate. Now a resident of Brooklyn Heights, she is devoting all her efforts to pursuing her lifelong dream of singing and performing in her native New York and elsewhere across the country.
Melissa was born and raised on Long Island, NY. Her last meal would most definitely include beignets (she's got New Orleans in the blood). Melissa parle français, medaberet ivrit, e parla italiano. She tutors Bar/Bat Mitzvah students in her spare time, and plays the piano for relaxation. Her current favorite Nintendo Wii game is Super Mario Galaxy and she counts herself among the many devoted disciples of Steve Jobs. You can catch Melissa on the A train doing the crossword puzzle in her latest issue of New York Magazine.
