Who Played Melissa in Princess Ida

Melissa is a role in Princess Ida, a musical that opened Broadway in 1934.

Princess Ida runs a women-only university dedicated to anti-male propaganda. Prince Hilarion (betrothed to Ida in infancy) and two male friends break into the university and disguise themselves as girls in an attempt to win her back. When Hilarion’s father decides to launch a full-scale attack the lady undergraduates are ordered to “man” the barricades. This is Gilbert and Sullivan at the height of their powers. Not to be missed!