The Messenger
Film written and directed by Kade Mendelowitz
May, 2012 (premiere)
On this page:
- The entire film
- Behind-the-scenes videos
- Reviews
- Image Gallery (screen captures and behind-the-scenes)
- Cast and crew list (with link to the premiere playbill).
If God sent an Angel to Earth, would you listen to what he had to say? That is the overarching premise of this season’s ambitious multimedia production of “The Messenger” by faculty professor .
After hearing reports of a self proclaimed Angel and Messenger of God, Michael is invited as a guest of America’s latest talk-show phenomenon: “The Jessie Show”. The host, Jessica Lamech, has been facing her own private crisis of faith when this unique opportunity presents itself. The network, recognizing the huge ratings potential of such an event, has heavily advertised a live prime-time special – and you will be surprised where the interview goes from there. Join us for this production of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Theatre & Film.
Designer, playwright, and director created this multi-faceted production to match the distinctive nature of the programs at UAF. “I have been percolating this idea of combining a show that could be both a live theatre production and movie for a few years now, as we have been developing the Film program. Now that the Film Degree at UAF is official, I felt this was the perfect time to produce this piece.”
Mendelowitz has authored two , and produced“” – a platinum award-winning science fiction adventure which premiered at the Goldstream Regal Cinemas in 2004. He’s also created the animated shorts “”&Բ;and “Love at First Light” which won “Best in Animation” at the Fairbanks Film Festival.
In 1999 he adapted and directed a production of “Alice in Wonderland”&Բ;in which the audience actually followed an Alice and White Rabbit through Wonderland. “It was truly wonderful! We had 10 scenes located throughout the Salisbury Theatre complex. The audience had tickets that broke them into groups of 12 spaced 10 minutes apart. Each of 4 Alice’s and 4 Rabbits took each audience group on a 40 minute adventure, each going 3 times. This meant the other characters they visited and interacted with (like the Mad Hatter, Mouse, Queen and Caterpillar) each performed their scene 12 times each night. It was a blast, and the audience loved it! Some parents bought their kids numerous times to see different Alices…but the show sold out quickly…it was a great experience” says Mendelowitz.
Official Trailer and Film
Parental Guidance Suggested
Due to some mature subject matter, parents are cautioned. The UAF Theatre Department
believes that if this production were rated by the Motion Picture Association it would
be rated PG-13.
In the movie there is some discussion of a sexual assault. Matters of religion an other complex issues are discussed. Additionally, there is a non-graphic depiction of a sexual assault. Parents should use their discretion for whether this is appropriate for children under 16.
Behind the scenes videos
- the most powerful scene from the movie "The Messenger". Enhanced by special lighting and a few special effects and location management.
While recording the (4) shots for the fictional "Jessie Show" opening; some of the audio was noisy (not a surprise, considering one was AT an active construction site!)
by Kade Mendelowitz.
by Kade Mendelowitz.
Media releases
Photo gallery
CAST
(in alphabetical order)
Jessica Lamech:
Carrie Baker
Francine Kitchen:
Tricia Bates
Sports housewife:
Rachel Blackwell
Larry Kitchen:
Llian Breen
Blind Woman:
Melissa Buchta
“Bad Guy” & Michael:
Andrew Cassel
Kevin Kitchen:
Jasen Chausse
Rider:
“CdzܲԳٰ”
Anthony Hall:
Wesley Dalton
SportsGuy:
Danny Dicaire
Doctor:
Kim Eames
Testimonial Police Officer:
Adam Gillette
Father Andrew:
Stephan Golux
Billy:
Jordan Guinn
Jennifer Jonitas:
Annabel Heyne
Johnathan Jonitas:
Eric Heyne
Announcer:
Marley Horner
Sleepy Driver:
Glenn Imus
Carney Man:
Michael Kingston
Basketball Player:
Nathaniel Lange
TextiDriver:
David Leslie
Jeremy:
Michael McIntyre
Barbara:
Amie Meredith
Young Basketball Player:
James Opp
Lucas:
Thomas Petrie
Pat:
Stephanie Rivet
Sports Son:
Jack Christopher Sellers
Tamar:
Ashley Thompson
Flowershop Worker:
Dion Torres
Security Guard:
Brian Tuohy
Elizabeth:
Siri Tuttle
PRODUCTION CREW
Writer, Editor, Director:
Kade Mendelowitz
Director of Photography & Producer:
Maya Salganek
Costume Designer:
Bethany Marx
Production Manager:
Christopher Kern
Fall 1st Assistant Director:
Tiana Hanson
Summer 1st Assistant Director:
Kavelina Torres
Technical Director, Props, Set Dresser:
Adam Gillette
Larry Beats Regardless Electrician, Best Boy:
Llian Breen
Grips:
Deleen Cable
David Leslie
Arvia Glass
Carl Sage
Tiana Hanson
Jeff Buckley
Jon Bracone
Sean Guecco
Amelia Cooper-Davis
Steve Keller
Monika Kunat
Jeremiah Lafleur
Richard Reagin
David Riffey
Special Effects Makeup:
Anita Ashbaugh
Jessie Show Set Designer:
Carl Sage
Jessie Show Lighting Designer:
Deirdre Adams
Publicity and Box Office:
Kimberley Eames
Jib Operators:
Jeff Buckley
Aaron Gordon
Steadicam:
Jeff Buckley
Aaron Gordon
Tyler McClendon
Camera Operators:
Christopher Kern
Matthew Hartman
Adrina Knutson
Tyler McClendon
Audio:
Nicki Karl
Nicholas Kern
David Riffey
Weaponry Foley Artist:
Jeremiah Cannone
Assistant Stage Manager:
Laura Schlutt
Makeup Assistant:
Gerri Kern
Costume Shop Manager:
Jerene Mosier
Basketball coach and wrangler, craft services:
Kimberly Eames
Indicates member of the UAF Student Drama Association (SDA)
Indicates member of the UAF Film Club