Drama Alum At Beacon In NYC

Glen Cove grad performs in Scooby Doo Live

A familiar face from the Glen Cove drama scene, Melissa Rapelje, will be at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, playing the role of Daphne in the new family musical, Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries. 

“It’s really fun portraying a cartoon character. I always loved Daphne,” Rapelje told the Record Pilot. She adds that she enjoyed doing the research for the part, and always looked up to the character. “Daphne being just pretty and dumb is a common misconception. She’s conscious of fashion but always does her part in investigating the mysteries.”

Rapelje, a 2008 graduate of Glen Cove High School, has been dancing since age 7 and had her first leading role in Anything Goes, while in eighth grade at Robert M. Finley Middle School. She says that was the moment when she knew she wanted to pursue acting as a career, and continued to perform in school plays throughout high school, and taking on the job as president of the Masquers Club for three years. 

Since graduating from high school, Melissa went on to study at NYU Steinhardt and has been in numerous shows, including Off-Broadway’sThe Awesome ‘80s Prom, the New York premiere of The Fix (Tina McCoy), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy), Sweet Charity (Charity), H2$ (Rosemary), Sweet Smell of Success (Dance Captain), Guys & Dolls, Anything Goes, as well as numerous new works and readings. She has been featured in several concerts in NYC at venues including Birdland, Ars Nova, Le Poisson Rouge, The Metropolitan Room, and many more. 

At the show, she says audiences can expect a fun time, with “extremely accurate” portrayals of the mystery gang. 

“The first day of rehearsal, we all knew exactly who was playing who,” she says. 

While her character plays a key role, she notes that Scooby Doo is the biggest draw for the kids.

“They love seeing the cartoon character come to life on stage.”

The show runs from Friday, Feb. 22 to Sunday, Feb. 24, Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster phone charge 1-866-858-0008

Online: beacontheatre.com and ticketmaster.com. For information on the Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries tour visit: www.scoobydoolive.com.