Elissa's love for performing began at the young age of five when she stepped on stage for her first dance recital. She grew up in Buffalo Grove, IL, a suburb of Chicago, where she spent most of her time singing in choirs, dancing, and performing in community theatre. Musical soundtracks filled her childhood home. Hearing her mother, a cantorial soloist, constantly singing was also a huge influence and inspired Elissa to sing wherever and whenever she could. By the end of high school, there was no doubt in Elissa's mind that being involved in theatre and music were inevitable life-long passions.
During her time as a Theatre major at Suffolk University, Elissa was able to take part in many aspects of the theatre. Some of her favorite roles to date are Dionne in Hair and Lori/Hassen in Painted Alice, which she performed at Suffolk's C. Walsh Theatre. She was a collaborator in the Boston Music Theatre Project's workshop of a new musical (later produced Off Broadway under the title Crossing Brooklyn) with Jenny Giering and Laura Harrington. Elissa was also an ensemble member and assistant director of this musical's premiere production. Her largest theatrical endeavor, however, was when she got her first professional theatre job traveling the country with the world premiere national tour of My Little Pony Live!. She played Sweetberry the Pony in at least 8 shows a week, traveling to 54 different cities over the course of 11 months.
Since returning to Chicago, Elissa has performed with Light Opera Works, Chicago Dramatists, Porchlight Music Theatre, Circle Theatre, Promethean Theatre Ensemble, Emerald City Theatre, and many others. She is a member of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals and has been seen singing at cabaret hot spots including Davenport's and 3160. Elissa’s love for the arts grows every day, and she can’t wait to see what new adventures lie ahead for her.
During her time as a Theatre major at Suffolk University, Elissa was able to take part in many aspects of the theatre. Some of her favorite roles to date are Dionne in Hair and Lori/Hassen in Painted Alice, which she performed at Suffolk's C. Walsh Theatre. She was a collaborator in the Boston Music Theatre Project's workshop of a new musical (later produced Off Broadway under the title Crossing Brooklyn) with Jenny Giering and Laura Harrington. Elissa was also an ensemble member and assistant director of this musical's premiere production. Her largest theatrical endeavor, however, was when she got her first professional theatre job traveling the country with the world premiere national tour of My Little Pony Live!. She played Sweetberry the Pony in at least 8 shows a week, traveling to 54 different cities over the course of 11 months.
Since returning to Chicago, Elissa has performed with Light Opera Works, Chicago Dramatists, Porchlight Music Theatre, Circle Theatre, Promethean Theatre Ensemble, Emerald City Theatre, and many others. She is a member of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals and has been seen singing at cabaret hot spots including Davenport's and 3160. Elissa’s love for the arts grows every day, and she can’t wait to see what new adventures lie ahead for her.