Meet the Cast
Julia Chereson
(Roberta "Bobbi" Evans)
Julia Chereson is taking on her first feature film role as Bobbi in “You Don’t Say!” She has performed in Chicago with the Theatre Momentum ensemble after graduating from the University of Mount Union with a degree in Theatre. Julia has also received additional training at the Victory Gardens and Profiles Theatre in Chicago. She has enjoyed a variety of work in the performing arts, including stage work, improvisation, and writing sketch comedy. Julia credits her absurdly supportive parents and her rotund cat, Navin, as her primary motivations to reach success in her acting career.
Gary Gow
(Jerry Brownwell)
You Don't Say is the sixth Sole Productions project taken on
by Gary Gow, who is excited for the opportunity to make a comedy
with writer-director Robert Alaniz.
Gary began performing on stage in high school and has continued honing his acting skills through community theater productions, primarily with the Palos Village Players of Palos Park, IL. Notable productions include Dracula, The Sunshine Boys, Barefoot In The Park, and the world premiere of The Secret of Insignificance. He has been seen on television's The History Channel (Investigating History with Bill Kurtis), Discovery Channel (Undercover), TNT (Leverage) and Showtime (Shameless). Gary has also appeared in the short film, Bubble-Rama, with Annie Parise (Law & Order) and Ed Kerr (Men in Trees) as well as feature films The Merry Gentleman and The Dilemma. Rounding out his acting endeavors, he has taken on commercial, print, and voiceover work when time allows.
Gary and his lovely wife, Sue, currently reside in a southwest suburb of Chicago. After attending Moraine Valley Community College, Gary earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Animal Science (Equine Science specialization) from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Before returning to the classroom as a junior high school science teacher, he made his living managing horse farms in southern and central Illinois.
Robert Frankel
(Mr. David Stutter)
Rob grew up in the Chicago area but has spent the last 25 years acting in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he studied theatre and computer science.
Rob has performed on stage Maine, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin and, of course, Illinois. Favorite roles include James Tyrone (“Long Day’s Journey into Night”), Scrooge (“A Christmas Carol”), Matt (“Talley’s Folly”), Leo (“Leading Ladies”), Hucklebee (“The Fantasticks”), and title roles in “The Foreigner” and “Becket”. In addition, he is active in commercial and industrial work with Karen Stavins Enterprises as his agent.
Rob is also author of over thirty published plays including the modern farce, “LOL”, and the spoof, “Whodunit...and to Whom”. He is co-author of three wonderful children – Andrew, Tom, and Elizabeth. He is grateful to them, his parents, and his sisters, brother and brother-in-law for their overwhelming support. For more information, please visit his website at: www.robertalanfrankel.com .
Brandon Galatz
(Martin Stokes)
Brandon Galatz is extremely excited to be working on his 7th feature film, and his 2nd under the direction of Robert Alaniz. He had a great time working on D.I.N.K.S. last year and is thankful for the opportunity to work with Sole Productions again. Most recently Brandon graduated from The Conservatory at Act One Studios Chicago, and was last seen on the theatre stage as The President of the United States of America in Genesis Theatre’s production of “The People’s Choice,” at The National Pastime Theatre and at Theatre Wit in guest artist Salome Speelt’s production of “Date Me.” Past productions have included Strangeloop Theatre Workshop’s production of “ Shadows and Lust,” “1001” directed by Shade Murray, “Blood Wedding” directed by Kimberly Senior, as well as others. Brandon has been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people, and is “stoked” for everything that is to come!!!
Brandon loves the craft of acting whether it is on the stage or in front of the camera and feels truly blessed to have the opportunity to do it with so many talented people. He looks to and thanks his fellow players, directors, teachers, friends, family, and everyday experiences for their inspiration and support…. And as always is infinitely grateful for those that granted him the realization that, “…Acting is nothing more than the reality of doing…” T.H./E.V.
Dani Wilkin
(Teresa Temptin)
Dani graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts along with an Acting Minor. Since she graduated, Dani has appeared in four independent feature length films along with a handful of short films. Although her primary focus is on acting, she had the opportunity to work with Robert Alaniz during the post-production phases of D.I.N.K.s in 2011. After working with Robert and his inspirational drive for film, Dani grew excited about the possibility of working with him again in the future. Now playing the role of Teresa Temptin, Dani is thrilled to be working with the talented cast and crew of “You Don’t Say.”
Hayley Camire
(Denise (Dee Dee) Evans)
Hayley Camire grew up in Chicago, IL. She is thrilled to be making her first feature film debut in “You Don’t Say” as Denise Evans and feels very blessed to be part of and work with such an inspiring and professional team. Hayley has performed in numerous school, community theatre, and college productions including Chicago (Hunyak) at Lewis University, Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia), Mikado (Soloist) at Prairie Center for the Arts, Peter Pan (Peter Pan), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily), and Amadeus (Constanze Weber) to name a few. She has been involved in several student films and well as competitive speech team where she placed at Sectionals for her Prose work. Afterwards, she concentrated in Integrated Performance at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York where she studied acting, musical theatre, dance, and voice. Hayley would like to thank her parents, family, Gringa, and Mrs. Wolcott for their undying love and support.
Laura Ann Parry
(Madelyne Evans)
Laura Ann Parry, a Chicago native, is proud to be making her film acting debut as Madelyne Evans in "You Don't Say." She believes independent film is a vital contributor to the art form and that this film will provide audiences food for thought as they laugh their way through its comedy and smile at its touching moments. She credits her development as an actor to her studies at Acting Studio Chicago and their talented instructors. When she's not on set or in class, you can find Laura lounging about, eating bon-bons (yeah, right!). Laura has an active business law practice at Klevatt & Associates, LLC in downtown Chicago. She and husband David are raising two beautiful daughters, Anna, already an actor with performances as a Second City youth ensemble member and Sara, working on her first Edge of the Woods Theatre production. A supporter of the newly created North Branch Arts Center, located in the Edgebrook community, and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, she also volunteers her time as a Board Member of Beacon Therapeutic and Diagnostic Treatment Center, headquartered in the Beverly neighborhood. Her nicknames: "Q" or "LP". Her motto: Know thyself, be true to thyself and carpe diem! She loves diamonds, roses and champagne. . . and Robert Alaniz, Sarajane Crowley and Sole Productions for casting her in this film.
Dave Branigan
(Eugene Evans)
Dave is excited about being involved in another Robert Alaniz film. This is the fifth in which he has acted. Dave had a small role as the MC at the D.I.N.K.s rallies in D.I.N.K.s (Double Income No Kids). Before that Dave reprised his role as Randall Thomas in The Vision. Dave first played the role in Barrymore's Dream. Dave also had a small part as a lawyer in Timeserver.
Dave has appeared in several advertisements for DeVry University and a short promotional video for El Valor Corporation. He also acts, directs and produces in community theater. Dave has worked in several productions with Palos Village Players and, more recently, with Gaelic Park Players.
As a founding member of the fifties tribute band Ricky and the Redstreaks; the 60s cover band The Chandlers; EQUUS in the 70s; and a member of the salt & pepper soul band The Savoys, Dave has a long history of live performance. Currently, as The Dr. Dave Experience, Dave performs rock-n-roll hits from the 50s and 60s at parties, reunions and other functions. For more info, visit The Dr. Dave Experience on Facebook.
When he is not acting on stage and screen, or perfroming his live music act, Dr. Dave, who holds a Doctor of Education degree from Northern Illinois University, hones his acting skills teaching software development at DeVry University in Tinley Park.
Brian
Hoolahan
(Bruce Crocker)
Brian is very excited to be working on "You Don't Say!", because it is his first feature film. Upon graduating from Eastern Michigan University, Brian moved to Chicago to study improv comedy, training with the iO theater and The Second City. Brian quickly began doing shows at various theaters within the city and even became a member of Second City House ensemble team People's Elbow. Brian has performed with some great comedy teams in Chicago including: Grassholes, Vagabonds, Improvised Tarantino, Secret Waffles, and too many more to mention. He really enjoyed the transition from live stage to film. In his spare time Brian really enjoys craft beer, yoga, and wondering why people get face tattoos. Brian would like to thank the captain of the "You Dont Say!" ship, Robert Alaniz for taking a chance on a goofball, and his mother for her constant support and love.
Steve Parks
(Mr. Adeemus)
"YOU DON'T SAY" is the second film for Steve with Sole Productions following
his performance as lawyer Leonardo Randall Tolstoy III in D.I.N.K.s (Double Income
No Kids). Appearances in other films include COIN TOSS, INSPECTRES & CURIO.
Theatre credits include STREETERVILLE with Theatre-Hikes, REQUIEM FOR A HEAVY
WEIGHT (Maish), ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (Mr. Cheswick), BEYOND THERAPY
(Bruce) and THE AWESOME 80'S PROM (Principal Snelgrove). As seen on TV, Steve
has been in several commercials for SafeAuto, Lennox Air Conditioners, the Kentucky
Lottery, Armed Forces Television and a brief stint on ROMPER ROOM as a kid back
when TV was live and in B/W. Steve has also started his own side business in the world of live outdoor advertisement as a “waver” (dressed in costumes and waving at people driving by). Other interests include creating original art work and playing several musical instruments.
Please check out his website at: http://steveparksactor.com/
Jeanette DiGiovine
(Susan)
Jeannette DiGiovine acted in several theatre productions while growing up in Naperville, IL. She graduated with a degree in biology from North Central College, but realized her true love of acting. She attended several classes at The Acting Studio Chicago to refresh her skills as an actress. This is her 3rd feature film; she made her film debut last summer as Paris Rolon, in the independent feature Between Western and California. She has also been in several independent short films and is in current production on a webisode The Gravity Well.
She is very excited for the opportunity to work with director Robert Alaniz and the cast and crew of “You Don’t Say”.
Shavar D. Clark
(Vince Tambor)
"You Don't Say!" will be the first feature comedy for Chicago native Shavar D. Clark, and he is very exited to take part in it and to work with such a talented cast. Shavar has had the lifelong dream of becoming an accomplished entertainer and is on the path of doing so, having been a part of several short films. Shavar has trained, and continues to train under veteran L.A. acting coach Molli Benson, and is only getting better with experience. He has always had the life long dream of becoming an accomplished entertainer, and is on the right track of doing so with the help of his family and his closest friends. He attacks each project with a dynamic energy that he's carried with him his entire life, and with "You Don't Say!", he intends to bring nothing less!
Mathew Montalvo
(Jonathan Valdez)
Born in Chicago’s Humboldt Park, Mathew Montalvo, is no stranger to the stage. At a ripe age of 16 Mathew was performing in Latin folkloric dance groups all over the city of Chicago. Soon after, he tried his hand at choreography with touring Latin and Hip-hop dance groups. With choreography and instruction under his belt, he was highly sought after to choreograph dance sequence’s and stage performances for many Chicago local bands. It was by chance that one day he would fill in for a sick singer of one of the many bands he worked with. It was this event that allowed him to dive into the world of singing and live music performance. Currently, front man for the band La Obra, Mathew juggles his singing career with his new found passion for theatre and acting.
Melodye Lorrayne
(Darla)
Melodye Lorrayne is making her feature film debut in “You Don’t Say” as Darla. Melodye has performed in community theatre and student films. Melodye is excited to be working with Robert Alaniz and the fine crew and cast. Melodye plans to learn as much as she can from this experience as she is currently working on her feature film script and aspires to be a successful writer-director-actress talent. Aside from writing and acting, Melodye regularly takes guitar lessons and works with a vocal coach to perfect her singing skills. She is very thankful to be given this opportunity in the Robert Alaniz film, “You Don’t Say”.
Catherine Hood
(Donna)
Born on Christmas Day, Catherine J. Hood had a natural passion for film and theatre. Inspired by actress Bette Davis, she works continuously to enhance her portfolio. With a BFA in Performing Arts from AMDA, Catherine is a prolific writer in creating new short stories, script concepts, and is a Chicago journalism writer for the Examiner. Dean Richards, the WGN Entertainment Reporter, took her underneath his wing and mentored her while working behind the scenes of television. She also was the Broadway In Chicago intern at PR firm, Margie Korshak Inc. Currently, she is working on a few film and writing projects.
Toni Pieper
(Betty)
Toni Pieper has worked on movie sets for over two decades. Landing a principal role in a major motion picture jump-started her career in film and television. She has worked side by side with some of Hollywood’s most talented actors. One of her favorite projects was working with Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jason Patrick on the set of “Rush”.
After wrapping “Rush” she moved to Central Florida where she decided to add singing to her list of entertainment skills. She has performed over hundreds of live shows and opened for some great musicians like Molly Hatchet and Rick Derringer.
She plans to continue her career in film and television and is very excited to work with Robert Alaniz and some of Chicago’s most talented actors.
Rebecca O'Connell
(Nancy)
Rebecca O’Connell is thrilled to work with the cast and crew of “You Don’t Say”. This is Rebecca’s third featured film and opportunity to work with Sole Productions. She was seen previously in “D.I.N.K.S.” and “The Vision”. Rebecca currently resides in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois with her husband, two beautiful children, and two wild basset hounds. By day, Rebecca is a teacher and a mom. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys singing, Latin Dancing, and traveling.
Mikhailia Scoville
(Mrs. Kaputnic)
This is Mikhaila Scoville's first film with Sole Productions, and she would like to thank Robert Alaniz and the producers for this great opportunity. Her training includes a bachelor's degree from Barat College and a master's degree from Portland State; both in acting and directing with emphasis in theatre history and play writing and she is also an alumni of Second City ETC.
Her acting career spans over many years and has focused on Shakespeare, Greek tragedy and other classical works. Her favorite shows include playing the title role in both Medea and Electra which toured in Greece over two separate summers. She also has enjoyed performing slapstick comedy, improv, and has toured the USA extensively acting in children's theatre.
Mikhaila has written, directed, and produced many projects. She has taught theatre to college students as well as children and is now excited about her new journey into the world of film. She thanks her parents "who started it all," and she dedicates "You Don't Say" to her brother Jeff.
Andy Clifton
(Reverend Santori)
Andy Clifton is a native of Kentucky and has lived in the Chicago area since 2002. He holds two degrees in music and has spent thirty years serving various churches as a Pastor of Music and Worship. Recently retired and just beginning an acting career, he has appeared on stage as George in The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey at Provision Theatre, and as Juror #2 in Twelve Angry Men at Center Stage, as well as in a training film episode, Your Brother’s Keeper. Andy is happy to be working with Robert Alaniz and Sole Productions in this fun film. He is most grateful to his wife, Susan, for her encouragement in this new pursuit.
Caitlin Costello
(Woman On Cell Phone)
Caitlin Costello is a young Chicago actress with a keen interest in
film and television. She graduated from DePaul University in 2010 with
a degree in Creative Writing. This is where she first started to
explore her acting career, taking several improvisation classes through
DePaul's theater school. She then put herself through schooling at
ActOne Studios and this is where she took part in her first two theater
performances. Since then, Caitlin has more actively pursued a film
career, taking part in independent films such as "The Circle" and
"Eagles Walkin'." She also plays the lead in a soon-to-premiere web
series "Cafe Kremlin." She is intensely thankful for her most recent
gig, in Robert Alaniz's "You Don't Say."
Alison Barnes
(Brittany's Mom)
Alison Barnes is a Chicago Actress and Jane of All Trades. Most of her credits are theatre related throughout the city. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Catawba College – Salisbury, NC. She has recently been taking On Camera Commercial Classes at The Green Room Chicago and is looking to pursue more film, television and commercials opportunities. When not acting, she can be seeing dishing up pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, working backstage on the wildly successful Superior Donuts, painting sets at Harpo or being compared to Amy Adams or Catherine Tate. She is thrilled to be a part of Robert Alaniz’s “You Don’t Say.”
Isabella DeCeault
(Brittany)
Born in Hinsdale, Illinois, Isabella (Bella) DeCeault is thrilled to be cast in the movie ‘You Don’t Say!’ playing the role of Brittany. She has entertained many audiences with her roles in local theater productions for several years. In 2011 she expanded her talents and was cast in two musicals, realizing her love of singing. Bella has mainly worked with The Limelight Theater which is the local theater group; her most recent role was playing JoJo in ‘The Seussical’. She has also worked with the Oswego Playhouse, as well as having the opportunity to be in the Oswego High School play ‘Ragtime’. From a little toddler she has shown her love for entertaining and is excited to see where this journey will lead her. Bella is a 6th grader and is also very involved in cheerleading.
Jayson Bernard
(Mr. Salvador)
Jayson Bernard has been working in the Chicagoland area as an ACTOR and COMEDIAN since 1998.
Graduate of Second City and SEVERAL private acting classes with Act one Studios and teachers such as
Mary Beth Liss of the Red Twist Theater, Bernard is constantly working on his craft and looking for opportunities to work in the business!! Bernard has been in Chicago filmed indie films such as "The Landlord” by: Emil Hyde, "An Unfortunate Idea" by: Nick Scala, D.I.N.K.s (Double Income No Kids) by: Robert Alaniz, and "Ill Will" by: Terrance Jones and as of Spring of 2012 he is filming reality fitness show "Taking the Lunge" on eGEN TV!
"I am thrilled to be working with Robert Alaniz in his next film "You Don’t Say!" as Mr.Salvador!!" - Jayson Bernard