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Friday, October 26, 2007 7:11 PM EDT
A litte taste of Hollywood
By DANIEL LEBLANC
Olean Times Herald
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| Hopefuls line up for a chance to audition for "Little Chicago" outside the CUTCO Theatre on the Jamestown Community College campus in Olean Thursday afternoon. Photo by Darrell Gronemeier |
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OLEAN - They came young and old Thursday for a shot at movie fame - or maybe 15 minutes of it.
Some wore clothing reminiscent of the 1920s and '30s. Others simply came in street clothes ready to sing, dance or just read some lines.
Auditions for stand-ins and small roles for the upcoming film "Little Chicago" were held at Olean's Jamestown Community College campus. Tryouts were also held in Bradford, Pa., on Wednesday.
Some had acting experience, while others just wanted the chance to be associated with the movie.
"I came just to try out," said Lindsey Childs of Portville, pointing out she had no prior acting experience.
Shirley Anastasia of Olean said she was at the auditions to soak in the experience as well.
"I just think it would be fun to be in a movie," Ms. Anastasia said while wearing a dress similar to styles of the 1930s. "I think I could do some ballroom dancing," she added.
Cathleen Wales of Olean was also dressed up and said she envisioned playing a role such as being an extra having a drink in a bar.
Carl Veno, who wrote the screenplay for the movie, said there was a "nice crowd" that turned out for the auditions.
"We're looking for people to play bartenders, singers, policemen and people in crowds," Mr. Veno said.
The producers were looking for a lot of local extras for the film, Mr. Veno added.
The production will have several scenes with large crowds and could require 1,000 to 1,500 extras.
About a dozen speaking parts with one to two lines were up for grabs as well.
"We're looking for people who have a certain type of face that is set in the 1920s. We're always looking for doubles," he added.
Several aspiring actors were also given the chance to show off their singing abilities.
"An important part of the movie will be the music," Mr. Veno said.
"This is a win-win for everybody. It's a chance for people to rub up against movie stars."
One aspiring actress hoping to find her break at the auditions was Charlotte Stock, who has lived in Erie, Pa., and Salamanca.
"I've wanted to be an actress since I was really young," Ms. Stock said. "My friend called me and told me about the audition. I had no idea what it was for."
She felt she might be a good candidate for a role as a lounge singer.
During the auditions, potential actors were given a few lines to read. They were often paired with another person to read lines.
Those with talents such as dancing or singing were given an opportunity to sing a short tune or show some dance moves.
Shortly after her audition, Leah Kellen of Olean said she was "a little nervous" during the tryout.
"I figured I had nothing to lose," she said.
Ms. Kellen added she learned about some of Olean's storied past from a teacher at Archbishop Walsh High School.
"Little Chicago" takes an unflinching look at Olean's Prohibition past. At the time, Olean was a midway point between gangsters traveling between Buffalo and Pittsburgh, Pa.
"The screenplay is about Al Ritchie, how he rose from a small-time thug in Buffalo to becoming a major player in the illegal booze racket," Mr. Veno said in a previous interview.
During the 1920s and '30s, Olean and Bradford were known as tough, gang-controlled towns.
Aspiring actor Cody Chase of Salamanca said he has done some acting gigs such as work in commercials.
"I plan to move to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career," Mr. Chase said.
Mr. Veno said the producers would review the performances of those at the tryouts.
Those auditioning filled out applications and had their pictures taken.
"We'll see if a person blends in," Mr. Veno said. "Then we'll start narrowing the list down."
Once the callbacks are completed, actors and extras will be called in for specific filming days, he said.
Much of the filming will be set in Olean and Bradford, Pa.
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