ANNABEL
Sarah Klaren
Annabel desperately wants her mother to understand her as an independent adult all grown up, which she thought she proved by leaving home almost as soon as she turned eighteen. As the story unfolds, she gradually realizes that she has not changed her childhood view of her mother and she begins to see her mother differently. In fact, she slowly understands that the greatest mystery is not the murder, but her growing relationship with her mother.
Sarah Klaren is a film and theatre actress and singer-songwriter of over 18 years, most recently finished a run of the stage production “Sherlock Holmes: the Final Adventure” as the infamous Irene Adler at Douglas Morrisson Theatre. Notable past performances include the short films THE BLACK HEARTS, SHADOW SINGER, and FLAPJACK, which was featured at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, as well as a stage/multi-media production of DRACULA for which she earned an Elly Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Mina. Upcoming releases include the indie feature films RETURN TO NOWHERE and DARK HARVEST, and the fantasy web-series MAGEHAVEN. Sarah has worked with many production companies in film and theatre throughout the Bay Area as well as LA, and is thrilled to be working with Shadow Angel Films on MOM, MURDER & ME!
JOAN
Kathy Garver
An overprotective mama bear, Joan has survived single motherhood by relying on the warmth and goodness of a small Midwestern town. Fearful of the perceived dangers that Annabel faces in a big city, Joan rallies herself to make a surprise visit. She packs almost one of everything she owns, though nothing can prepare her for the greatest journey she’s ever faced: solving a murder mystery with her daughter!
Award winning actor Kathy Garver is best known for her starring role as Cissy in the CBS prime time television series Family Affair, but Kathy has also garnered critical acclaim in film, theatre, and voice over. From her debut in the celebrated movie THE TEN COMMANDMENTS to roles in PRINCESS DIARIES and EXECUTIVE RANKS, Kathy has also created starring roles for five animated TV series including her acclaimed voice for Firestar in SPIDERMAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS. Kathy continues her stellar work in the entertainment field, recording audio books, appearing in films and teaching at Voice One Studios in San Francisco. Her first book, The Family Affair Cookbook is a best-seller and she is working on her second one, Surviving Cissy – My Family Affair of Life in Hollywood.
PETE
Gino Scandur
Pete Matthews gambles beyond his means for anything, whether it’s poker, horses, or roulette. His last asset, an apartment building given to him by his cranky mother, is now the only thing between him and the Russian mob boss who owns a casino where Pete has a towering gambling debt. Driven by his addiction and greed, Pete appears to be a pleasant landlord, but is a desperate coward who will do anything to save himself and keep his gambling alive.
Gene (Gino) has been a professional actor for many years working in stage, TV, and film. He’s worked in NY on Broadway, TV (Emmy Nominee) and in films. He has also worked as a writer, director and producer with his own production company for the last 30 years. He lives in San Francisco with his wife Maria.
BUCK
Olando Graves II
Buck is a young rookie cop on the San Francisco police force. Diligent and trustworthy, he has a crush on Annabel even though he believes that she and her mother are taking things too far with their amateur sleuthing. He is tall and lanky as well as being good-hearted, just the kind of man Annabel is drawn to. On the other hand, her free-spirited ways keep her from admitting that she’d ever be attracted to a straight-laced cop, especially one who gets along so well with her mom!
Born in Oakland, California raised as an only child, Olando developed his passion for acting. He believes that his duty as an actor is not to be looked at as mere entertainment, but with each performance create life changing events. It is his belief that operating on talent alone will not bring you continued success in life; for what compliments talent is an exceptional work ethic. Olando has appeared in numerous films throughout the Bay Area. Recently, Olando booked and shot his first commercial. When not performing, he encourages others to live out their dreams.
He says, “Why settle doing something you like, when you can be truly happy doing something you love”.
IVAN
CS Boris
Although a Russian mob boss, Ivan does not automatically turn to violence and can command an intimidating presence with his towering, hefty presence. Comfortable in his authority, Ivan defers to only one person: his fierce and imposing mother who still lives in Russia and continues to be the head of the mob despite her advanced age. After years of settling the crime organization into a well-run operation of illegal back table gambling, Ivan is in the mood to look for love. When Joan appears in the office on the hunt for the murderer, he is attracted to her feisty spirit and makes clumsy attempts to court her.
Boris earned his BS. In Design from Buffalo State College, NY. He has designed several sets for EXIT Theater in San Francisco; CHAIRs, THE ORATOR, and TWO LOST IN THE FILTHY NITE to name a few. His film work includes CANARY- THE MOVIE and AMERICAN IN PUERTO RICO. He has appeared on television in I ALMOST GOT AWAY WITH IT, TRAUMA, CROSSWORDS. On stage, he’s performed in WILD ROOTS and BLOOD TYPES. He has also made several industrials for ORACLE, Hewlett Packard, Men’s Wearhouse and appeared in television commercial for SURVIVORMAN.
MARTHA
Liz Rolfe
A tough cookie unafraid of any bullying despite her age, Martha is the stubborn mother of Pete, a middle-aged man who she is terribly ashamed of. Though Martha is hospitalized for a stroke, she still has a stronger will than Pete who cannot persuade her to sell the building that housed his father’s auto body shop. Martha knows that Pete wants the money for more gambling, and this mother/son duo has been at odds for years over his financial irresponsibility, lack of career path, and gambling addiction.
Liz Rolfe is a SF Bay Area-based actress with many commercials, film, and stage credits. She particularly likes comedy plays and musicals. Like the part she played as the dowager in the musical Me and My Gal. Liz has appeared in many theatres on the San Francisco Peninsula, and had the unique experience playing all three women’s roles at the same time in Neil Simon’s play Plaza Suite. Her feature length San Francisco based movies have included, Tenderloin, and Madalena Z, and episodic television including Night Caller NBC, and a feature role in television series Trauma NBC.
WANDA
Heidi Wolff
As Annabel’s neighbor and friend, Wanda often offers a comforting word and helping hand. A successful attorney who knows how to work on her dreams until they become reality, Wanda is like the big sister that Annabel never had. When she uncovers some shady business dealings that affect them all, she is ready to fight for the truth to come out and tries to persuade Annabel to join her.
Heidi Wolff has recently appeared in the short films, Sal y Limon and You Should Stop and the upcoming feature film, Reifier. She has worked with many Bay Area theater companies, including: Brava, Last Planet, Thrillpeddlers, and California Conservatory. Recent projects include The Laramie Project 10 Years Later at NCTC, The ABC Trilogy at the San Francisco Fringe Festival.
Additional Cast
| PEDRO | Carlos Hailey |
|---|---|
| SERGEI | Artem Mishin |
| DETECTIVE PRATT | Geoff Gilbert |
| FRANK | Don Damico |
| SHEP | Richard Goeb |
| MAC | George Maguire |
| VAL | Stacy Thunes |
| BARB | Roz Williams |
| RENEE | Kymberly Jenal |
| PAM | Frances Reyes-Bolinger |
Shadow Angel Films 