Full Cast, Creative Team Set for The Rotogravure

Full cast and creative team information has been announced for the world premiere of Roell Schmidt’s The Rotogravure, to be presented by Sad Hat Productions NFP on the Athenaeum Theatre mainstage, January 16-February 1. Schmidt directs.

The play is described as “a romantic comedy by someone who unabashedly loves old movies, the energy of live theater, musicals and dinner parties.” The production will incorporate both live action and black and white digital film projections, which were shot by cinematographer Ben Wolf and edited by Kirsten Sloan Casey.

The stage cast will include Stephane Duret (Handsome Young Man), Quinton Guyton (Sidekick/Bruce), Christina Hall (Middle/Sarah), Matthew Holzfeind (James), Reneisha Jenkins (Little), William Rattner (Milton), Heather Townsend (Tall), and Kathleen Turner (Helen).

The creative team will include choreographer Christopher M. McCray, set and lighting designer Brian Sidney Bembridge, and music director/composer Andra Velis Simon.

Leading up to the opening, Chicagoans are hosting dinner parties to spread the word about the multi-media production that begins with the line “Helen was rarely asked to dinner parties.” Mark Kenseth of Sipsitter films is creating short films of several of the dinners which can be seen at www.therotogravure.com.