Stage
Selected Press
“The cast is well matched for one another and the complexity of the characters. … DeJesus, as Johanna, projects a cagey intelligence, in particular her technically controlled use of her eyebrows, flickers worthy of Indian classical dance or the legendary Greek actress Irene Papas. Her fingers are also marvelously expressive— watch them reflect her increasing nervousness as her plans begin to go awry.”
— Ian Thal, “Theater Review: “Eyes Shut. Door Open.” — Cain and Abel South of Houston Street,” Artsfuse.org, August 12, 2015.
““Playing Checkers’ by Cassie M Seinuk stole the show. … Actors Melissa De Jesus and Chuong Pham were riveting …”
— Kitty Drexel, “Sex, Sexy, Sexy (Sometimes Not), SEX: SUCH TIMES a SEX FESTIVAL,”New England Theater Geek, March 11, 2013.
“… she exudes utter confidence. Melissa DeJesus gives the role such life and allure that it doesn’t feel like a performance, it’s an honest display of what a strong woman looks like under pressure.”
— Travis Manni, ”’Eyes Shut. Door Open’: Exploring the Artist’s Tormented Psyche,” The New England Theatre Geek, netheatregeek.com, August 11, 2015.
“DeJesus’s every movement is stunning and, from the beginning, I knew she was someone to watch. Her gift for storytelling through her body is eclipsed only by her passion for her character and her words. Her dazzling personality shines through … ”
— Brian Balduzzi, “Boston’s Indie All-Stars: Polaroid Stories,” myentertainmentworld.ca, July 9, 2012.
“As an amnesiac Eurydice, Melissa DeJesus gets a crack at the script’s most complex dramatic arc, modulating from a befuddled street promiscuity to a fierce, inhumane anger. The actress makes the most of the elaboration, adding nice flickers of self-conscious disgust throughout…”
— Bill Marx, “Theater Review: An Energetic by Erratic ‘Polaroid Stories’,” Artsfuse.org, July 8, 2012.
Script Development
Melissa has worked with Boston and New York–based playwrights in various stages of script development, from closed discussions and workshops, to staged readings and world premiere. She encourages playwrights to reach out to involve her at any stage of developing new work.
Melissa DeJesus 