Cast
Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard, a
veteran of both stage and screen, is well known for his performances in nearly 50 films and television shows over the last 14 years. With titles like SCREAM, WITHOUT A PADDLE, THIR13EN GHOSTS and SCOOBY DOO 1 & 2, Lillard is associated with a number of Hollywood Box Office hits totaling over $600 million dollars in revenue worldwide. He received critical success with independent titles SLC PUNK! and Ed Burns’ THE GROOMSMEN and debuted three films at the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival.
A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles and New York’s prestigious Circle in the Square, the award winning actor has been the Artistic Director of theatre companies in both Los Angeles and New York City. As Director of the ‘Summoners Ensemble’ he helped create the hugely popular FESTIVAL OF FORTUNES that still runs annually in New York.
As a Producer, he premiered One of Our Own at the 2007 Seattle International Film Festival, one of only 16 films accepted into the competition. SPOONER which he Co-Produced with Jonathan Schwartz (WRISTCUTTERS: A Love Story and Funny Games starring Naomi Watts) stars Lillard, Nora Zehetner (HEROES) Chris McDonald (HAPPY GILMORE) and Joe Nunez (SUPERBAD). Additionally, Lillard executive produced the film Spanish Judges with Vincent D’Onofrio and Valeria Golino.
Matthew currently resides in Pasadena, California with his wife and three children.
Nora Zehetner
In 2009, you will see Nora Zehetner starring in the dramatic comedy SPOONER, which will be world premiering at The Slamdance Film Festival. Nora plays the role of “Rose Conlin,” a girl from San Francisco whose car breaks down in Monrovia where she meets a local guy named Herman Spooner (Matthew Lillard) who offers her some mechanical assistance along with his heart. Next, Nora will appear in Rian Johnson’s production entitled BROTHERS BLOOM alongside Adrian Brody and Rachel Weisz.
In 2007, Nora completed the independent film REMARKABLE POWER as the character “Athena” where she stars alongside Evan Peters and Tom Arnold.
Nora was most recently seen in a recurring role on the Emmy nominated Television series HEROES as the mind-controlling “Eden.” Zap2It.com proclaimed Zehetner as one of “The Underrated of 2006″ for her role as “Eden.” The role of “Eden” developed a cult fan base for Nora.
She also starred as the young version of Helena Bonham Carter in CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN, directed by Hans Canosa with Aaron Eckhart. Last year Nora played “Michelle” in Coalition Films independent feature FIFTY PILLS with Lou Pucci and Kristin Bell, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Nora starred in Focus Feature’s BRICK produced by Ram Bergman and directed by Rian Johnson playing “Laura,” the high school femme fatal alongside Joseph Gordon Levitt and Lukas Haas which pays homage to the old noir films of years ago. The film was a hit at Sundance and received rave reviews by the critics in attendance and was later nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the 2006 Independent Spirit Awards.
Her other film credits include independent films THE SONG OF THE ROSE and MAY.
Nora was seen starring in the recurring role of “Laynie Hart” on the critically acclaimed WB hit, EVERWOOD starring alongside Treat Williams and Gregory Smith. “Laynie” was the love interest of Ephram (Smith) and appeared on the show for two seasons. Her other Television credits include HBO’s POINT OF ORIGIN, and Showtime’s GOING TO CALIFORNIA.
Nora grew up in Dallas, Texas, and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Christopher McDonald
Christopher McDonald is one of Hollywood’s most prolific and versatile actors. Beloved for his comic role as Mr. Stifler in AMERICAN PIE as well as memorable performances in THELMA AND LOUISE and HAPPY GILMORE McDonald is a classically-trained stage actor, with a broad fan base. His notable dramatic television guest-starring roles include work on THE SOPRANOS, THE BRONX IS BURNING, and “61.” McDonald’s latest project, SUPERHERO MOVIE, (Dimension Films) a spoof of the comic book hero film genre, also starring Tracy Morgan and Pamela Anderson, is slated for release March 28. In addition, he recently finished shooting the highly anticipated independent film MY SEXIEST YEAR, with Harvey Keitel and Frankie Muniz as well as the film FANBOYS with Seth Rogan, Kristen Bell and William Shatner.
McDonald first caught Hollywood’s attention when he played Goose McKenzie in GREASE 2, starring Michelle Pfeiffer. Even though more movie offers followed, McDonald opted instead to work on his acting craft, immersing himself in acting studies at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Upon returning to Los Angeles, McDonald began an enviable career that has never slowed down. Film highlights include THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (1985), OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE (1987), CHANCES ARE (1989), THELMA AND LOUISE (1991), DUTCH (1991), WILD ORCHIDS (1992), GRUMPY OLD MEN (1993), FATAL INSTINCT (1993), TERMINAL VELOCITY (1994), QUIZ SHOW (1994), COVER STORY (1994), RICH MAN’S WIFE (1995), HAPPY GILMORE (1996), LEAVE IT TO BEAVER (1997), FLUBBER (1997) THE IRON GIANT (1999), THE PERFECT STORM (2000), SPY KIDS:2 (2002), GRIND (2003), TAKEDOWN (2004), RUMOR HAS IT (2005), AMERICAN PIE (2006) “KICKIN’ IT OLD SKOOL (2007) and MAD MONEY (2008).
McDonald’s long held respect for the stage led him to return to New York to star as Billy Flynn, the nefarious self serving lawyer in Kander and Ebb’s CHICAGO. The show toured major markets nationwide with McDonald’s leading performance embraced by critics and audiences alike. Other theater credits include NIGHTCLUB CANTINA, HAY FEVER, BOUNDERS and The Los Angeles Theatre Center’s productions of HAMLET, OTHELLO, and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. He is also the recipient of a Drama-logue Award for Best Actor (FINAL TOUCHES).
McDonald’s TV credits also include regular appearances on the series CRACKING UP (Fox), KIM POSSIBLE (Disney), NORTH SHORE (Fox), FAMILY LAW (CBS) and VERONICA’S CLOSET (NBC).
Born and raised in New York City, McDonald is one of seven children. Originally, a pre-med major at Hobart College, McDonald decided to pursue an acting career in his senior year. In addition to his theater studies in London, McDonald also attended the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory in New York.
McDonald and his wife, Lupe, are the proud parents of 3 daughters and a son, and reside in Los Angeles.
Shea Whigham
Shea Whigham began in NY theatre as the co-founder and Artistic Director of the Rorshach Group, but has quickly made a name for himself in independent films.
Mr. Whigham starred in several independent films prior, but it was his stunning debut in Joel Schumacher’s TIGERLAND opposite Colin Farrell that brought him to prominence. Many roles quickly followed: ‘Tip’ in David Gordon Green’s ALL THE REAL GIRLS (Sundance), ‘Russell’ in the international film OUT OF THIS WORLD directed by Saamoto Junji and the television film FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.
Studio work as well followed with a return to Joel Schumacher in BAD COMPANY; MAN OF THE HOUSE with Tommy Lee Jones; LORDS OF DOGTOWN directed by Catherine Hardwicke, FIRST SNOW with Guy Pearce, and the Sundance hit WRISTCUTTERS with Patrick Fugit. Recent released movies include SPLINTER and the New Line feature PRIDE & GLORY directed by Gavin O’Connor.
Coming up for Mr. Whigham are the indies SPOONER with Matthew Lillard; RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH with Alanis Morrisette; THE KILLING ROOM with Tim Hutton and Chloe Sevigny; SOUTH OF HEAVEN for director Jonathan Vara; another Joel Schumacher film, TOWN CREEK, for Gold Circle; FAST AND FURIOUS 4 due out in June 2009; Werner Herzog’s BAD LIEUTENANT remake starring Nicolas Cage; and the indie BARRY MUNDAY with Patrick Wilson.
Kate Burton
Kate Burton recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award wining musical SPRING AWAKENING. She received raves for the Williamston production of THE CORN IS GREEN directed by Nicholas Martin, starring opposite her son, Morgan Ritchie, and completed the City Center revival of APPLESAUCE with Christine Ebersole.
Kate was Tony nominated as the title character in THE CONSTANT WIFE for the Roundabout Theatre, directed by Mark Brokaw and appeared in THE WATER’S EDGE opposite Tony Goldwyn at the Second Stage Theatre. She appeared as Olga in the critically acclaimed West End production of THREE SISTERS with Kristen Scott Thomas, directed by Michael Blakemoore. Kate received 2 Tony nominations in 2002 on Broadway for her title role in Hedda Gabler, directed by Nicholas Martin, and for the role of Mrs. Kendall in THE ELEPHANT MAN, directed by Sean Mathias. Kate has also starred on Broadway in THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE (also UK/Ireland tour), AN AMERICAN DAUGHTER, JAKE’S WOMEN, SOME AMERICANS ABROAD (Drama Desk nomination) and PRESENT LAUGHTER (Theater World Award). She has appeared for thirteen seasons at Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Her film roles include; MAX PAYNE (John Moore), WHAT JUST HAPPENED (Barry Levinson), CELEBRITY (Woody Allen), THE ICE STORM (Ang Lee), FIRST WIVE’S CLUB (Hugh Wilson), AUGUST (Anthony Hopkins), BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (John Carpenter), UNFAITHFUL (Adrian Lynne), SWIMFAN (John Polson), STAY (Marc Forester), SHERRYBABY (Laurie Collyer), QUID PRO QUO (Carlos Brooks), THE KINGS OF APPLETON (Bobby Moresco) and the indie CONSENT.
Kate recently wrapped the HBO pilot, THE WASHINGTONIENNE , and had recurring roles on both GREY’S ANATOMY (2 Emmy Nominations) and RESCUE ME. Recent television includes guest star roles on JUSTICE, THE WEST WING, THE PRACTICE, LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT, 100 CENTRE STREET., and NOTES FOR MY DAUGHTER (Emmy award). Kate appeared in HBO’s EMPIRE FALLS, the Lifetime feature OBSESSED (John Badham) with Jenna Elfman and THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUER for ABC.
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Wendi McLendon-Covey played Deputy Clementine Johnson for the first five seasons of Comedy Central’s RENO 911. She also starred in Lifetime Television’s original series LOVESPRING INTERNATIONAL, and has guest starred recently on THE OFFICE and KATH AND KIM.
Wendi has been writing and performing with the Main Company of the Groundling Theater since 2003. At the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in 2007, a Film Discovery Award was created specifically to commemorate her starring roles in two entirely improvised films: CLOSING ESCROW, and COOK-OFF (which she also co-wrote and co-produced.) Her upcoming films include TUG, STARLIGHT AND SUPERFISH, and BOUTONNIERE.
