'Love Chronicles (of the Cape)' features more than 100 local actors

The creative team behind the upcoming film "Love Chronicles (of the Cape)" is gearing up for next month's movie premiere, where scores of local actors will have the opportunity to see themselves on the silver screen.

"The premise of 'Love Chronicles (of the Cape)' is it's a female documentarian who's been assigned to do a documentary about love by the pastor of her church," director Dan Steadman explained. "There are over 100 local actors with speaking roles in the film."

"Love Chronicles" isn't a true documentary; it's a Christopher Guest-style "mockumentary" that explores the nature of love in middle America, ranging from heartfelt and sincere to off-the-wall hilarious.

"It's scripted, but she's talking about love, what it is and what it isn't," Steadman said. "There's characters like a paraplegic drag racer, guys in the locker room at SEMO, even a family of redheaded rednecks."

Originally from Michigan, Steadman worked for years in Los Angeles -- even working for a time with actors from Guest's own productions -- before deciding to move to Missouri to tell stories from the Show-Me State. He sees a natural compatibility between Missourians and his storytelling style.

"I think that Midwesterners are funny to begin with," he said. "They have a sort of snarky, sarcastic humor to begin with -- at least, they did where I grew up. It just seems that Midwesterners understand what we're trying to do [shooting a mockumentary]."

It's Cape Girardeau residents' particular sense of humor that most endeared him to the town.

"We were just so enthusiastic about the talent we found in Cape Girardeau," he said. "I think what was fun was seeing how many actors in Cape are really good at comedy."

Steadman, several of the actors and others involved in the film's production are making preparations for the film's screenings next month at Southeast Missouri State University's Rose Theatre.

The film will play at 7:30 p.m. April 17, 18 and 19, with Q&A with the director and cast members after each showing, to be followed by afterparties Friday night at the Broadway Biergarten and Saturday night at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

The film will screen April 24, 25 and 26 as well, and tickets will be on sale at the box office the nights of the show and in advance at circa87.com.

"We are feverish with excitement over all of the activities we have planned," Steadman said. "The community is rallying together to make this six special nights."

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627