Casting Auction raises $56,000, with record-breaking bid for Mame, see full cast list here

Mame was the classic American musical up for bid at our 27^th Annual Casting Auction last Saturday, November 15 at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, where 50 starring and supporting roles were sold to the highest bidders.   Top bidder for the most coveted title role, Mame, was Sacred Heart Elementary second grade teacher Jill Renn.  More than 30 of her friends pooled their funds to assure Jill would win the part, which went for a record high bid of $19,303 – the highest single bid in the event’s 27-year-history.  Collectively, Victory Gardens raised more than $56,000 auctioning off roles large and small to Chicagoans from all walks of life, all to support the theater’s new play mission.  The amateur cast begins rehearsals later this month under Victory Gardens Artistic Director Dennis Zacek, in preparation for their two nights of fame in Mame, February 20 and 21 at Chicago’s Athenaeum Theater.   

There are still some roles available for sale!  If you, or anyone you know, did not have a chance to bid at the auction, or who you think might like to join our cast, please contact Kate Oczkowski, Director of Events and Individual Giving, at 773.549.5788 x 2140 or koczkowski@victorygardens.org. 

Thanks to celebrity auctioneer Aaron Freeman, and event co-chairs Stuart Burstein, Nancy Studenroth and Fred Zar, for making this year’s Casting Auction such a big success.   Also, thanks to Benefactor Sponsor Chicago Title Insurance Company, and product sponsors Card & Party Warehouse, Eli’s Cheesecake, Goose Island Beer Company, J&L Catering, Salon 1800 and Smoking Loon Wines.   Following is the complete cast list.  Congratulations one and all!   Mame Dennis – Jill Renn
Vera Charles – Nancy Studenroth
Agnes Gooch – Amy Robbins Ellison
Beau – Fred Zar
Older Patrick – Jerry Hickey
Young Patrick – Mary Kate Pierce
Dwight Babcock – Myles Tobin
Junior Babcock – Joe Studenroth
Ito – Herb Quinde
M. Lindsay Woolsey – Andy Lambros
Claude Upson – Harvey Kaluzna
Doris Upson – Fran Kaluzna
Sally Cato MacDougal – Penny Brown
Mother Burnside – Martha Schwartz
Gloria Upson – Patti Feinstein
Pegeen Ryan – Eileen Sweeney
Uncle Jeff – Stuart Burstein
Cousin Fan – Wendy Istvanick
Madam Branislowski – Penny Reynolds
Gregor – John Dreixler
Stage Manager – Marcie Klestil
Doorman – Stan Horn
Messenger – Jeff Rappin
Ralph Devine – Linda Quinde
Bishop – Larry Blust
Peter Dennis – Sasha Sloane
Elevator Girl – Kim Klein   Chorus:
Sheryl Woods
Laura Ladewski
Paula Goedert
Emmy Stanley
Peg Wander
Charley Stewart
Joyce Eddy
Carol Christiansen
Debbie Studenroth
Dawn Coney   Children’s Chorus:
Matthew Moen
Pilar Kelly
Jenna Dreixler
Jillian Dreixler