Event description
Come join us at The Wilmette Theatre on June 2, 2024:
- Celebrate the completion of the first half of production on our animated feature film, Unplugged
- Launch the second half of production
- Benefit a worthy cause
Half of all proceeds will benefit The Ed Asner Family Center, a nonprofit organization, supporting and empowering children and young adults who are on the autism spectrum.
The event begins at 7pm and goes until 8:30, followed by a meet-and-greet with some of the cast and crew in the lobby.
Tickets are only $10.27 — or $27 if you'd also like a signed copy of Paul McComas' acclaimed novel, from which he adapted the award-winning screenplay.
This event is appropriate for age 10 and up.
Featuring:
- A mini-rock-concert by the Dayna Clay Trio
- Airing of the late Ed Asner's and Louis Gossett, Jr.'s final voice performances in audio-only scenes with Holly Trasti
- The pitch-reel for Unplugged, played on the big screen
- Raffle! (cash only - $2 for one, $10 for 6)
- In-person Q&A with members of Team Unplugged
Ed Asner's son, Matt Asner, and Louis Gossett, Jr.'s niece, Dr. Qarlah Prince, will fly in from Hollywood to talk about those late legends and the respective organizations Matt and Qarlah run: The Ed Asner Family Center and Lou Gossett, Jr.'s Eracism Foundation.
Also confirmed: John Doe, founder of the legendary punk band "X"; Orlando's Valeria Cotto (at age 13, our youngest cast member) from the multi-prize-winning film The Florida Project; Chicago's own Jeff-Award-winning actor Darryl Alan Reed; and co-directors Holly Trasti and Paul.
Other VIPs will be announced as confirmed.
Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase — and everyone gets a FREE party-size popcorn.
The novel, as well as the adapted Unplugged stage-show's soundtrack CD, will be available for purchase (while supplies last).
Unplugged tells the dramatic, compelling, ultimately uplifting story of fictitious 27-year-old rocker "Dayna Clay," who — overcome with depression and post-traumatic stress — escapes into the wilderness of the South Dakota Badlands. There, she forges new relationships, obtains new wisdom from nature, and manages to step away from the brink, heal, and transcend.
Starring Christina Ricci, Ed Asner, Louis Gossett Jr., John Doe, Jeri Ryan, Sheryl Lee, Dana Ashbrook, Jonathan Joss, & introducing Holly Trasti as "Dayna Clay."
Producers include Oscar winner Lynne Littman; Adam Belanoff, producer of the Emmy-winning TV series The Closer; American Film Institute award winner Paul McComas; and Spencer J. Parks.
Directed by Paul McComas & Holly Trasti.
The Wilmette Theatre is wheelchair accessible.