Paul Russo, after studying music and acting, has spent the past 45 years performing both professionally and as a volunteer. Since becoming involved with Elmwood in 1989, he has acted in numerous shows here and has been invaluable behind the scenes, always willing to do whatever was needed. Now, he is making his directorial debut with the comedy Perfect Arrangement by Topher Payne.
Asked to name his favorite Elmwood endeavors, Paul answered simply, “All of them.” His contributions, for example, play selection, lights and sound operation, building sets, special event emceeing, and assistant directing, which led to his desire to become a director. Now, fulfilling that goal, Paul says, “I particularly enjoy the collaboration of so many talented people. An audience will see the culmination of the time, effort, and talent of over 30 people at each performance.”
Appealing to Paul as well are the genuine, intense personal interactions at the heart of Perfect Arrangement. He says, “The sit-com style play, set within a comedic/dramatic framework, comes alive with a brilliant cast delivering impressive performances, a gorgeous set, and on target costumes faithful to the 1950’s style.”
Personal interactions are also what make Elmwood so special to Paul. “Coming to Elmwood changed my life forever. I have made life-long friends, met my partner, Evelyn, had a lot of fun, and experienced countless, powerful experiences along the way. This place of make-believe is more real than the life I knew before.”
