The Messenger

Film written and directed by Kade Mendelowitz
May, 2012 (premiere)

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Production poster: The-Messenger-98

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 ֱֻ 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

Press article
Press article

Movie review - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Movie review - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Messenger review thumbnail
Movie review - UAF Sun Star (student paper)

Photo gallery

Messenger Playbill Final

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