It was an amazing experience to work with Madonna as a director. I did principal work on her feature film “W.E” as a Pug Owner in the Sotherby’s scene that later got cut from the final footage. She was very hands on from everything to our hair, makeup, and clothes not just directing the acting. You don’t usually see that with directors. I can’t wait to see what she decides to direct next.
« Frizzi & Lazzi Italian American Theatre Company 13th Street Repertory Theatre Company »
MELISANNE RUSSO (aka Melissa Russo), is a graduate of The Esper Studios two year Meisner Technique Program with William Esper. She also studied at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and HB studios.
Worked as a member of the Buffalo Group Theater Company founded by Vincent Pastore and directed by Thomas G. Waites. Also worked as a member of the Aching Dogs Theatre Company formerly the Actors Gym when founded by Robert Moresco producer of Academy Award Winner “”Crash”.” Nye Heron Producer of Academy Award Nominated film ““In America”” directed her in two plays with the company. Gerald Orange a member of the Actors Studio directed her in numerous plays with the company. She also worked with The Intar II Theatre Company in NYC and The Frizzi and Lazzi Italian-American Imigrant Theatre.
She has performed at such large venues as The Brooklyn Academy of Music, Madison Square Garden, The Apollo Theatre, The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, The Hershey Theatre, and The Shubert Theatre in Philly. Other venues include the Producers Club, The John Houseman Theatre, Intar 53, The Hudson Guild, Dont Tell Mama’s, and in Philly performances at The Painted Bride and the Black Banana.
Recent Films: A lead role in short film “MEAT” lead role in the feature film “Burn Out the Day” directed by Cinque Lee, a part in the feature film “W.E” directed by Madonna.
Before acting Melisanne started out as a dancer (trained in ballet, and modern dance) She received scholarships to Pennsylvania Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, and Philadanco where she also held an apprenticeship with the company. She also studied at Washington Ballet where her choreography was picked to be performed in a Choreography Workshop Performance with Choo San Goh’s choreography. She went on to dance professionally later deciding to pursue acting.
—“..feel free to use me as a reference – I will have no problem being very enthusiastic about your talent..”
—“Your work is getting better and better. Listen to me the best way to become a great actor is to find something every day to do…”
—“Thank you for saying ‘Yes’, for trusting, staying open & for adapting. And for your support!”
—“Melisanne Russo was just plain excellent, sensitively calibrating her performance to a moving culmination.”
—- “Melisanne Russo has the most ideal hair for period styles. She has great curl pattern great density and her hair can hold any period style for the 20th Century.”
JUAN CAMPOS (TANDEN HAYES CREATIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT)
— “Melisanne Russo was good. She cried on cue. She timed everything and made the scene come alive.”
ROCCO NISIVOCCIA (NISICOCCIA FILMS LLC)
—“…we feel that you are talented and we will run into each other again one day..”
GUILD OF ITALIAN AMERICAN ACTORS NEWS BLOG ARTICLE
—-“The UFT Italian-American Committee celebrates Italian-American women during Women’s History Month 2010 with a reading from Angela Rago’s latest novel, Yesterday’s Sky The novel explores the daily lives of various Italian women in a small town in Southern Italy, how they struggle to survive, to improve their situations and harbor their dreams of emigrating to America. Reading will be performed by the Frizzi & Lazzi Theatre Company. Readers include Paula Minichino, Angela Rago, Emelise Aleandri, Josephine Maietta, Melisanne Russo, and Fiorentina Russo.”
LOCAL 6 UNION ARTICLE REVIEW by Jessica Edwards
——“The dramatic tear-jerker “The Patriots” kicked off the evening, offering a glimpse into the unhappy reunion of a military veteran and the wife who left him while he was away fighting. Starring Edgar Felix, Melisanne Russo, and Diana Craig as the meddling aunt, “The Patriots” forced the audience to reconsider its notions of loyalty, fidelity, and the sanctity of marriage.”
