BY BELINDA BREMNER
This being the penultimate 2000 issue, I will save the end of the year musing for the next issue. But, to get the ball rolling on the philanthropic front, here’s a bit of pump priming–and I look forward eagerly to your suggestions.
If you’ve more time and energy than cash (hmmm, whom does that sound like) may I suggest going down either on your own or in a group to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and lending a hand. The number to call is 773/247-3663.
The longest running radio drama comes from right here in Chicago. It’s "Unshackled," produced by the Pacific Garden Mission down on South State. For over 50 years the program has given work to Chicago actors. The "Old Lighthouse" is always in need of warm clothing and supplies for the folks it takes in. Last year’s coat will make a big difference this winter to someone. Give them a call to find out what’s needed and to make arrangements for delivery. The number is 312/922-1462
And a terrific and brand new homegrown organization is Hearts of the Arts, spearheaded by Claire Simon and Stacy Shaffer. It is a direct from you to the kids, no middleman, deal which benefits the kids in the Englewood neighborhood. Hearts of the Arts works with the Good Hope Foundation. And whereas checks and cash are always welcome, there is a chance for the joy of actually shopping for the basic things these kids really need. The redoubtable Lisa Lewis suggests you "think like a kid" when choosing NEW mittens, gloves, scarves, hats and earmuffs for these guys. Actually anything new to keep them warm. Socks are good, as is long underwear. New coats, sweats, and sweaters would go a long way to keep the chill from their bones, and souls. We are asked to avoid the colors blue and red because the local gangs have co-opted those. Give you an idea of these kids’ lives? Pajamas are a good idea, as are toiletries and hair accessories. Books, journals and dictionaries and fresh fruits and vegetables are high on the wish list. Any kid and young adult videos would be welcome. To get more information or to schedule a drop off, call Stacy Shaffer at Linda Jack Talent (312/587-1155) or Claire Simon at her office (312/202-0124). Claire spoke movingly of what your gifts mean to these members of our community. The woman who administers the distribution said that she tries to keep telling these kids, who go to bed to the "lullabies" of sirens and domestic violence, that there are folks in this city who do care about them. It’s hard for them to believe that. We can make it easier.
The Illinois Film Office reports that Dragonfly and Mind of the Marrying Man have wrapped. "ER" hopes to be back before the end of the year. That Mendes Zanuck Hanks project begins shooting Feb. 12 and the Muhamed Ali project starts in late February or early March. The Farrelly brothers have been scouting here for their next film Shallow Hal starring Gwynneth Paltrow and Jack Black which would begin March 22. Ball In the House, Tanya Wexler’s indy, looks very good to come here at the end of January. The John Hughes project is postponed but we have been entertaining scouts for Personal Injury, the film version of Scott Turrow’s thriller starring Dustin Hoffman, and a film of the glorious Tuck Everlasting.
Jane Alderman Casting continues work on the John Hancock film Suspended Animation.
Chicago Casting Center is working on a pilot for NBC called "Now or Never," a new Mac Wellman musical for Actors’ Theatre of Louisville and "an upcoming Broadway show."
The ladies at Tenner Paskal are still at work on the famous Mendes Zanuck project as well as casting an indy called Verdical Dreams. For a Luvs spot they cast Mike Loeffelholz and Mary Kay Cook. And for Balance Pro they booked David Pease and Voki Kalfayan. Upcoming projects include Karizma Hair Care.
Claire Simon is still casting for the Joan Cusack series as well as getting ready for the Muhamed Ali bio pic due after the first of the year. She is still working on The Wiz and Smallville.
Lily’s sends word that Tumer Simmons, George Seegebrecht, Mary Kay Sprecht, Marcia Larson, Tony Brown, Philip Winston and Andrea Bertak booked commercials. Industrials went to Michael Willens, Suzy Ibrahim and Charles Browning. Melanie Kreppennick and Trent booked episodic television and Mykael Le Fiore was booked on Oprah.
Either fuzzy eyes or a fuzzy fax or a combination of both led to last issue’s credit for Ed Gray was in fact Ed CRAY. So sorry.
Again, please send word of places and folks who need our help.
Peace.