Currently Running
Director
Utah Shakespeare Festival Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Book by George S. Kaufman Adapted by Mark Bedard July 1 to October 15 Randall L. Jones Theatre
VIDEO
The Cocoanuts’ » Perfectly paced direction and energetic performances keep this Marx Brothers-inspired show barreling along. – Barbara M. Bannon, The Salt Lake Tribune Director Melissa Rain Anderson keeps the multiple plates — I mean plots — spinning to a fare-thee-well, balancing “The Cocoanuts’ ” numerous nutty elements with throwaway ease. But you may be too busy laughing to notice the considerable artistry on display — which is exactly as it should be.– Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal Shakespeare Festival's 'The Cocoanuts’ is the perfect chaotic summer musical... Director Melissa Rain Anderson said the production is a puzzle, and it was certainly entertaining to watch the actors seamlessly and carefully piece everything together. Anderson said that there are rules to comedy such as timing and freedom. This musical has all of those rules perfectly memorized.– Emily Havens, The Spectrum
Director / ChoreographerThe Marvelous Wonderettes:
Stages Repertory Theatre Written by Roger Bean August 5th - September 18, 2016 **EXTENDED through October 16!
Upcoming Work
DirectorA Funny Thing Happened...
Geva Theatre Center Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart October 4 - November 6 Wilson Stage
DirectorA Christmas Carol
Denver Center Theatre Company By Charles Dickens Adapted by Richard Hellesen Music by David de Berry Nov 25 - Dec 24, 2016
DirectorThe Little Mermaid
Cape Fear Regional Theatre Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Sherman and John Musker Book by Doug Wright 1/19 - 2/12
Recent Work
Director
Arkansas Repertory Theatre Book by Doug Wright Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and Disney film Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater December 04, 2015 - January 03, 2016
It's difficult to single out what is most endearing about the show -- the great voices, charming costumes, dynamic dancing, a stage design that evokes the sea, or all of the above. Director Melissa Rain Anderson certainly knew how to assemble everything into a seamless whole, choreographer Adam Cates created some fancy footwork, and Rafael Colon Castanera designed costumes that must be seen to be believed.– Jack W. Hill, Democrat-Gazette
Director
Geva Theatre Center Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle Music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle September 9 – October 11, 2015 Wilson Stage
Director Melissa Rain Anderson takes full advantage of the script’s wit and audacity, managing to draw bold performances from the stellar 17-member cast and orchestra in this fast-paced show that calls for swift scene and costume changes. The actors, one and all, deserve acclaim for not over-milking the broadness of the comedy and simply immersing themselves in it.– Marcia Morphy, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Geva favorite Melissa Rain Anderson -- who also directed Geva's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" -- expertly directs "Spamalot." Anderson's direction is conscious of the physicality and timing needed for the quirky production to work. – Leah Stacy, Rochester City Paper I also must give the director, Melissa Rain Anderson, so much credit for putting together a wonderful and side-splitting show... it is one of the best, if not the best, musical performance I have ever seen.– Collin Arend, NY Theatre Guide ... sure-handed, gifted director... Melissa Rain Anderson’s bouncy direction and Lenny Daniel’s sharp choreography keep it moving briskly and performed with charm and solid skill. – Herbert Simpson, Artes Magazine
Director/Choreographer
Geva Theatre Center Music and Lyrics by William Finn Book by Rachael Sheinkin
Selected Work
Recent work
![The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised]](http://melissarainanderson.com/wp-content/uploads/complete-works_240x240.jpg)
