CHICAGO — Hollywood legend Bruce Vilanch and acclaimed actor David Moretti have joined the cast of a feature film being shot in Chicago this May.
Scrooge & Marley is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' classic story of the holidays, A Christmas Carol. Recounted from a gay sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens' timeless tale of a man's redemption at the holidays—thanks to the help of three ghostly spirits—comes alive from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of every persuasion.
Two-time Emmy winner Vilanch is a writer, songwriter and actor, well known for his four-year role on Hollywood Squares and as a head writer for the Oscars.
Moretti is best known as Thom Etherton, the intrepid reporter on here! TV's acclaimed vampire series, The Lair. Moretti led the series for three seasons between 2007 and 2010. His character also crossed over into the network's sister show, Dante's Cove.
"I am beyond excited to be a part of Scrooge & Marley," Moretti said. "Christmas movies hold a very special place in my heart as I have a handful of favorites I've watched every single Christmas since I was a little boy. My hope is that Scrooge & Marley becomes that for the gay community. It's a sweet, classic story of redemption … with a little glitter."
Moretti and Vilanch join several other actors already cast in the film, including: Megan Cavanagh ( A League of Their Own, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Exes and Ohs ) ; Rusty Schwimmer ( North Country, Perfect Storm, A Little Princess, Drop Dead Diva, Bones, Louie ) ; Ronnie Kroell ( Bravo's Make Me a Super Model, Eating Out-Drama Camp and Into the Lion's Den ) ; and Becca Kaufman, a renowned Chicago-area vocalist.
Final casting of the film's major roles will be complete by April 1.
Scrooge & Marley is based on an original script by Ellen Stoneking, Richard Knight, Jr. and the late Tim Imse. It will be directed by Knight and Peter Neville.
Executive producers of the film are Tracy Baim ( Hannah Free ) and David Strzepek ( Foodgasm ) , who are joined by several co-producers ( Knight, Neville, Stoneking, Kroell and Etta Worthington ) and experienced crew. Line producer is Thavary Krouch.
The film is being financed by investors and an IndieGoGo campaign under the name Scrooge & Marley film has also been launched. They hope to raise $15,000 by April 4, to add to the investor funding. See www.indiegogo.com/Scrooge-Marley-film .
Legal counsel for the production is Joseph L. Voss from Clark Hill PLC.
www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com .
http://www.indiegogo.com/Scrooge-Marley-film?a=396864
Twitter: twitter.com/ .
On Facebook see www.facebook.com/ScroogeAndMarley .
CONTACT: Tracy Baim, 773-387-2394, info@scroogeandmarleymovie.com
