Name: Melissa GordonHometown: Long Island/Queens, NY
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Drama-Ithaca College, National Theatre Institute
Favorite Credits: Recently, I got to sing all of the Phoebe songs at the Friends 20th Anniversary Central Perk Pop Up Shop downtown. That was really fun.
Why theater?: I love theatre because of the unpredictability. Every performance of a show is it's own little world due to the different factors coming into play each night. Nothing beats performing on stage underneath hot lights and making people laugh. Or cry. Or anything at all!
Tell us about Fresh: Fresh is a five character solo show about freshmen at a liberal arts college. It's loosely based on Ithaca College, where I went to school.
What inspired you to create Fresh?: Well, college is just a ridiculous time that has built in "funny" potential. I like to think about environment a lot and what sorts of people can exist there, so the first character I wrote is an RA named Stacey. Then the other characters kind of just naturally found themselves; either based on people I knew in school or different versions of my college self--there were a few!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Bold, unapologetic, funny, and specific pieces. If a story is well told, then the battle has been won. I've definitely been inspired by a lot of solo performers like Tracey Ullman and Chris Lilley, but also by countless movies, shows, plays, and music. Other than that, I'd say the everyday experiences and places we all share. For me, it's always changing.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Right now, I'd say Kristen Schaal. She is hilarious and seems like a ton of fun to collaborate with.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I see a lot of comedy but the last play I saw was The Heidi Chronicles, which was excellent all around.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: This question is amazing. I think...Bette Midler in "Tri State Neuroses." I credit my friend David for that title!
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I'd love to have seen the original production of A Chorus Line. Sigh, I love that show. Plenty of other musicals too. Also, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Eating candy like a child who just found out what candy is.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Probably making more money? Just kidding! I'd be running some artsy cafe/animal sanctuary/bed and breakfast/concert space in the mountains.
What’s up next?: I have a few projects on the horizon, but right now, I'm just doing shows, writing, and enjoying summer, but I'm very much looking forward to what the rest of 2015 will bring!