Spotlight On: Melissa Rand

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Wedding Singer. Get to know Melissa Rand who is in the ensemble of our production!

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Melissa Rand and I’m in the ensemble of this show. This is my first time performing with CTC and I’m excited to be part of such a fun, high energy show.

What aspects of your character do you find most relatable or challenging to portray?

As I’m in the ensemble of this show, I get to play multiple characters – from a bride, to a loser, to a whore, and a bunch of other people in between. Through each character a bit of me shines through, but they are all so unique and diverse that I hope everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the characters I get to portray.

How do you prepare for a performance, both physically and mentally?

Practice, practice, practice. And remember to enjoy every moment of your time on the stage.

What Is your favorite moment or song in “The Wedding Singer” and why?

My favorite song to perform is “Casualty of Love”. The vibe of the song is more gritty than a lot of the show. I enjoy being one of the “losers” who take over the wedding and the choreography is so fun.

When did you first start performing?

My first full show was “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Jr” when I was 8 years old. But even before that I would do little skits, took dance lessons, and was a general ham.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

Usually it’s a last-minute nervous pee, followed by hyping up backstage with everyone and saying “break a leg” a million times.

What’s your favorite 80’s song/band/performer and why?

Not going to lie, I had to look up top artists of the 80s as that’s a bit before my time… but I’d have to say Elton John because he has so many iconic songs, one of which my husband sang to me at our wedding this past March.

What do you hope audiences take away from this production of “The Wedding Singer”?

With the right person, there will be no cause for hesitation.

“The Wedding Singer” opens on July 11th and runs through July 20th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

“A good-natured, harmless, high-energy knockoff of the 1998 Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore romantic comedy” — LINDA WINER of NEWSDAY

“The Wedding Singer has more heart and a better sense of humor about itself than some of its similarly wacky, winking peers.” — ELYSA GARDNER of USA TODAY