✍️ Paul, Unscripted
A note from Paul, in his own words.
To get into the mindset/characterization of the murderous Harry Roat, I very purposefully did not watch the classic 1967 film Wait Until Dark.
When I was first offered the part, I didn’t realize how theatrical and eccentric Roat is: he plays dress up quite a lot throughout the evening of events. In performance, I've leaned into that idea, pulling from my bag of voices and physicality to bring to life the personas Roat presents to his prey.
After the first audience, somebody came up to me and said, "You were giving strong Joker vibes!" I blushed because—what a compliment! Like Heath Ledger & Mark Hamill's Jokers, I hope that Roat is all the more menacing because you're never sure who the real Roat is.
Speaking of Batman, the party scene in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight parallels the explosive confrontation in the last scene of Wait Until Dark. The ensuing fight has now become my favorite of my career so far. Hope it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Peace and love,
Paul
✨ The Headliner
Onstage, onscreen, and what’s coming up.
😈 In His Villain Era in GBSC’s Thriller Wait Until Dark
Photo credit: Nile Scott Studios
Image description: Paul Melendy, left, as Roat, faces off with Bill Mootos, right, as Carlino. Roat wears a black leather jacket and brown fedora, with Carlino in a black overcoat, red necktie, and black bowler hat.
🌙 Are you afraid of the dark? You might be, after seeing this production! In Wait Until Dark, newly-blind Susan fends off a group of con men (led by Paul as the ruthless Harry Roat) who invade her apartment under cover of darkness.
✨ What makes it special: The lead role of Susan has been dual-cast, with performances alternating between Eliza Barmakian and Jenny S. Lee. The Boston Globe raves that Barmakian “shines,” while METRMAG credits Lee’s “captivating performance.” The production team agrees—they each bring a unique take on the role. Why not see it twice? 😉
📍 When and where: March 6-22 at Greater Boston Stage Company. Paul doesn’t recommend for kids under 13.
🔍 Up Next: The Mystery of Irma Vep
Image credit: Central Square Theater
Image description: Banner graphic for The Mystery of Irma Vep with the play’s title in an antique frame against dark wallpaper. Several monster hands extend from the frame, including a werewolf, mummy, and skeleton.
🔢 A numbers game: Love seeing Paul’s creativity in inhabiting multiple characters in one show? Then you won’t want to miss Irma Vep, where Paul will bring to life an English gentlewoman, a werewolf (complete with onstage transformation), and more.
💀 About the show: The Mystery of Irma Vep is a comic mashup of Gothic melodrama, monster story, and penny dreadful—think Jane Eyre meets Dracula meets Monty Python. Lord Edgar’s first wife is dead… maybe. Things are about to get spooky at Mandacrest Estate.
🤝 Reunited and it feels so good: The show reunites Paul with visionary director David R. Gammons. They last collaborated on Central Square Theater’s 2020 production of Vanity Fair (Elliot Norton award winner for Outstanding Design, Midsize Theater). It also brings Paul back together with fellow actor Gabriel Graetz. The two shared a stage in 2025’s Featherbaby.
📍 When and where: Running May 28–June 21 at Central Square Theater. It’s sure to be a monstrous good time.
👏 The Applause Line
Press mentions and recent highlights—standing ovations optional.
In the VIP Lounge at the Boston Globe
Image credit: Paul Melendy
Image description: A selfie of Paul Melendy and his wife Megan after hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland
Did you miss it? In December, Paul spoke with the Globe’s Juliet Pennington for her lifestyle column “The VIP Lounge,” where she interviews artists and other notable public figures on their travel habits and history.
Check out the full column to find out Paul’s number-one bucket list destination, his go-to travel snack, and his worst vacation experience.
If you know someone who might enjoy this, feel free to pass it along.
Curtain down. Thanks for being here.