ABOUT THE CAST

Academy Award®-nominated actress AMY ADAMS (Giselle) has built an impressive list of credits, challenging herself with each new role.

Adams will star in Mike Nichols’ “Charlie Wilson’s War” opposite Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. The film is based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson’s (Hanks) covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects. Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the film on December 25th 2007.

Adams will also star in Christine Jeffs and Karen Moncrieff’s “Sunshine Cleaning” opposite Emily Blunt. The dark family comedy film is about two lost sisters (Adams, Blunt) who find themselves after starting an unlikely business in crime-scene-cleanup.

Adams recently wrapped production on Bharat Nalluri’s “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” opposite Frances McDormand. The Universal and Focus Feature film is about a governess (McDormand) in 1938 who gets a taste of glamour when she goes to work in the home of an up and coming actress (Adams). One of the governess' chores is to sort out the actresses unrespectable affairs.

Adams will soon start production on John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt” opposite Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Set at a Catholic school in the Bronx, the film centers on a nun who grows suspicious when a priest begins taking too much interest in the life of a young black student.

Adams role in Phil Morrison's “Junebug” in 2005 earned her nominations for an Academy Award® and a SAG Award. She won an Independent Spirit Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, National Society of Film Critics Award, a San Francisco Film Critics Society Award, as well as the Breakthrough Gotham Award. Adams also won the Special Jury Prize for Acting at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival for her role as the pregnant, childlike ‘Ashley,’ who is awe-struck by the arrival of her glamorous sister-in-law.

Adams' other film credits include Adam McKay’s “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” with Will Ferrell, Clare Kilner’s “The Wedding Date” with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney, Steven Spielberg's “Catch Me If You Can” with Leonardo DiCaprio, Reginald Hudlin's “Serving Sara,” Anthony Abrams’ “Pumpkin,” and Michael Patrick Jann’s “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” Adams television credits include a guest starring roles on “The Office” and “The West Wing.”

PATRICK DEMPSEY (Robert Phillip), two-time Golden Globe nominee and 2006 SAG nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama, can currently be seen on ABC-TV’s hit medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” “Grey’s Anatomy” won the 2007 Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama as well as the 2007 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.   The show also received Emmy nominations in 2006 and 2007 for Outstanding Drama Series as well as a 2005 Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series - Drama.  Although he is perhaps best known as the unlikely heartthrob of such classic ‘80s nostalgia films such as “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Loverboy,” Patrick Dempsey has grown into a mature actor and a talent that Hollywood continues to recognize.  He most recently starred in Richard LaGravenese’s “Freedom Writers,” opposite Hilary Swank and will be seen in May 2008 starring opposite Michelle Monaghan in “Made of Honor”.

Dempsey nabbed an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Aaron Brooks, Sela Ward’s psychologically unbalanced brother, in the critically acclaimed television program “Once & Again.”  In 2004, Dempsey co-starred in the highly-acclaimed HBO production, “Iron Jawed Angels,” opposite Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston.   

Other theatrical films include: “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Scream 3,” “With Honors,” “Outbreak,” “Hugo Pool,” “The Treat,” “The Palace Thief,” “Heaven Help Us,” “ Happy Together,” “Some Girls,” “Coupe De Ville,” “Run, Mobsters” and “In the Mood.”

In 2003, Dempsey made a memorable guest appearance on NBC’s hit show, “Will & Grace,” as Will’s love interest.  Additionally, Dempsey starred in the NBC-TV movie based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment,” opposite Ben Kingsley.  He also appeared in the television miniseries “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with Michael Caine.  He co-starred with Oliver Reed in the biblical epic “Jeremiah.”  Other television movies and miniseries include:  “JFK: Reckless Youth,” “A Season in Purgatory,” “Blood Knot,” “The Right to Remain Silent,” “In a Shallow Grave” and “Blonde.”

Dempsey was born and raised in Lewiston, Maine.  He first appeared onstage as David in the San Francisco production of “Torch Song Trilogy.”  Other early stage work included “On Golden Pond” for the Maine Acting Company; the international touring production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” which was directed by Gene Saks; and “The Subject Was Roses” at the Roundabout Theatre in New York.  He recently took to the stage in The Pasadena Playhouse run of  “The Importance of Being Earnest,” starring as Algernon Moncrieff.

In addition to acting, Dempsey is an avid racing enthusiast and has participated in the Panoz Series and the Pro Miata series.  He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Jillian, and their three children Talula, Sullivan and Darby.

JAMES MARSDEN (Prince Edward), displaying astonishing versatility with a wide range of films, has quickly carved out a distinctive place in Hollywood.

Marsden was seen this summer in Adam Shankman’s box-office hit HAIRSPRAY opposite John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pheiffer and Christoper Walken. Marsden plays Corny Collins, the host of the tv dance show.

Marsden recently wrapped production on “27 Dresses,” a romantic comedy for Fox 2000 and Spyglass Entertainment. “27 Dresses” centers on a young woman, played by Katherine Heigl, who always ends up as a bridesmaid, but never the bride. Marsden plays the lucky man who will change her bridesmaid status for good. Fox is set to release the film on January 11, 2007.

Marsden was recently seen in “Superman Returns” for director Bryan Singer. Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure. Marsden stars as ‘Richard White,’ a relation to Daily Planet editor Perry White and a new rival for the affections of ‘Lois Lane.’ Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Brandon Routh and Frank Langella also starred.

Marsden also recently starred in “X-Men: The Last Stand.” Directed by Brett Ratner, Marsden reprised his role as ‘Scott Summers/Cyclops’ in 20th Century Fox’s hugely successful franchise based on the Marvel comic book series.

Also due for release is the independent film: “The Alibi.” “The Alibi” tells the story of ‘Ray Elliott’ (Steve Coogan) who runs a successful business providing alibis for men and women who cheat on their spouses. Marsden plays ‘Wendall Hatch,’ a man who murders his girlfriend while on a clandestine weekend get-away. Selma Blair, John Leguizamo and Rebecca Romijn also star.

Recent films also include the Nick Cassavetes romantic drama “The Notebook” with Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Joan Allen, and Ryan Gosling, Merchant Ivory's “Heights” with Glenn Close and Elizabeth Banks, and the blockbusters “X-Men” and “X2” with Patrick Stewart, Rebecca Romijn, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin and Ian McKellen.

Additional film credits include the MGM thriller “Disturbing Behavior” with Katie Holmes and Nick Stahl; “10th and Wolf”; Davis Guggenheim's “Gossip”, a Warner Bros. drama opposite Kate Hudson; Tony Piccirillo's “24th Day”; New Line’s comedy “Sugar and Spice” with Mena Suvari and Marley Shelton for director Francine McDougall; “Interstate 60” with Gary Oldman, Chris Cooper, Ann Margaret, Amy Smart, and Christopher Lloyd. His notable television roles include ‘Glen Floy’ on the final season of the Emmy winning, David E. Kelley series “Ally McBeal.”

Marsden currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

London-born TIMOTHY SPALL (Nathaniel) has been a familiar face in film, television and on the stage for many years since his portrayal of Barry in BBC’s long-running “Auf Wiedersehen, Pet” (1983­ - 2004). He has since gone on to star in numerous films, including Mike Leigh’s “Secrets & Lies,” for which he won the Best Actor BAFTA in 1997. Other notable film credits include: Rosencrantz in Branagh’s “Hamlet,” Aubrey in Mike Leigh’s “Life Is Sweet,” Thomas Tipp in Cameron Crowe’s “Vanilla Sky,” Peter Pettigrew in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Mr. Poe in “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” and Simon Graham in “The Last Samurai.”

Spall is also highly respected in the world of television drama. In the early 1980s, he starred in his own drama series, “Frank Stubbs Promotes,” and has played such varied roles as Kevin in “Outside Edge” and Terry in “Cherished.” Spall received a BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of Mr. Venus in Julian Farino’s “Our Mutual Friend,” for which he also won the Broadcasting Press Guild Television Award for Best Actor in 1998. Additionally, Spall collected Best Actor awards from both the Prix d’Italie and Cinema Tout Ecran for his role in Stephen Poliakoff’s “Shooting the Past,” as well as nominations for Danny Boyle’s “Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise.”

In addition to his career in film and television, Spall is also a revered stage actor. After graduating from RADA in 1978, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Nicholas Nickleby.” He also played Bottom in Robert LePage’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the National Theatre.

Spall also narrated “Jamie’s School Dinners,” which won the National Television Award for Most Popular Factual Programme in 2005, and lent his voice to the scavenger rat Nick in the award-winning film “Chicken Run” in 2000. Spall was awarded with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on New Year’s Eve, 1999.

Spall will next be seen in Tim Burton’s film adaptation of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

Tony Award winner IDINA MENZEL (Nancy Tremaine) has a diverse career that spans the stage, films and music. Idina is a powerhouse of talent who constantly amazes audiences with her strong, emotional performances.

Menzel was most recently seen in Robert Towne’s “Ask the Dust,” opposite Salma Hayek and Colin Farrell. In this film adaptation of John Fante’s Depression-era novel, Menzel played Vera, who harbors an unrequited love for Farrell’s Arturo. Menzel was seen in November, 2005, in director Chris Columbus’ film version of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical “Rent,” in which she reprises Maureen, the role she originated on the Broadway stage. In fall of 2005, the actress starred in Michael John LaChiusa’s musical “See What I Wanna See,” directed by Ted Sperling at The Public Theater. The musical opened on October 26 and ran a limited engagement through December 4, 2005.

Menzel completed her Tony Award-winning performance (Lead Actress in a Musical), in “Wicked” in December, 2005, and later reprised her role as Elphaba in the London production. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello, “Wicked” played to packed audiences at the Gershwin Theatre since it opened in October, 2003.

Menzel received a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut performance as Maureen in the original production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning hit “Rent.” She also earned a Drama Desk nomination for her performance as Kate in Manhattan Theater Club’s Off-Broadway original musical “The Wild Party.”

She originated the role of Dorothy in “Summer of ‘42” at Goodspeed, appeared as Sheila in the Encores! production of “Hair,” and starred as Amneris in Broadway’s “Aida.” Her other Off-Broadway credits include the pre-Broadway, original, buzz-creating production of “Rent” and “The Vagina Monologues.”

Menzel’s additional film credits include “Summer of Sam,” “Just a Kiss,” “Kissing Jessica Stein,” “Tollbooth” and “Water.”

A skillful songwriter, Menzel writes and performs her own music. She is currently at work on an album for her record label, Warner Bros. Records. Her CD of original music, “Here,” was independently released on her Zel Records label and produced by Jamey Jaz for Opopp Entertainment. This album includes six original cuts that showcase her dynamic voice. In 1998, Menzel performed at the Lilith Fair summer concert festival and released her debut album, “Still I Can’t Be Still,” on Hollywood Records.

Tony Award winner IDINA MENZEL (Nancy Tremaine) has a diverse career that spans the stage, films and music. Idina is a powerhouse of talent who constantly amazes audiences with her strong, emotional performances.

A skillful songwriter, Menzel writes and performs her own music. She has just completed work on her solo album produced by Glen Ballard for her record label, Warner Bros. Records, and is gearing up for its release in January 2008. In addition, Menzel recorded the end credit song, written by Glen Ballard, for Robert Zemeckis’s “Beowulf” which is due out this November starring Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins.

Menzel was most recently seen in Robert Towne’s “Ask the Dust,” opposite Salma Hayek and Colin Farrell. In this film adaptation of John Fante’s Depression-era novel, Menzel played Vera, who harbors an unrequited love for Farrell’s Arturo. Menzel was seen in November, 2005, in director Chris Columbus’ film version of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical “Rent,” in which she reprises Maureen, the role she originated on the Broadway stage.

Menzel completed her Tony Award-winning performance (Lead Actress in a Musical), in “Wicked” in December, 2005, and later reprised her role as Elphaba in the London production for which she received the WhatsOnStage.com Theatregoers Choice Award. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello, “Wicked” played to packed audiences at the Gershwin Theatre. During this run, Menzel was nominated for every prize that the theatre community awards. In addition, the West End production had the distinction of breaking all weekly box office records during her run.

In fall of 2005, the actress starred in Michael John LaChiusa’s Off-Broadway musical “See What I Wanna See,” directed by Ted Sperling at The Public Theater. For her role as various characters, she received Drama Desk and Drama League nominations. Menzel received a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut performance as Maureen in the original production of the hit “Rent.” She also earned a Drama Desk nomination for her performance as Kate in Manhattan Theater Club’s Off-Broadway original musical “The Wild Party.”

She appeared as Sheila in the Encores! production of “Hair” and starred as Amneris in Broadway’s “Aida.” Her other Off-Broadway credits include the pre-Broadway, original, buzz-creating production of “Rent” and “The Vagina Monologues.”

RACHEL COVEY (Morgan Phillip) began her acting career at the age of four when she started working in commercials, appearing in spots for Cheerios, Lowes Home Improvement, Leap Frog, Duncan Hines and others. In 2004 Rachel appeared as David Schwimmer’s daughter in the independent film “Duane Hopwood,” which was released on DVD (HBO Home Video) in April 2006. She lives in Manhattan with her parents and little brother, and will be attending the fourth grade this fall. She enjoys swimming, tennis, rollerblading, bicycling and is a big cat lover.

SUSAN SARANDON (Narissa) brings her own brand of sex appeal and intelligence to every role—from her fearless portrayal in “Bull Durham” to her Oscar®-nominated performances in “Thelma and Louise,” “Lorenzo’s Oil,” “The Client” and “Atlantic City,” and her Academy Award®-winning and SAG Award-winning role as Sister Helen Prejean, a nun consoling a death-row inmate, in “Dead Man Walking.”

Sarandon made her feature film acting debut in the movie “Joe,” which she followed with a continuing role in the drama “A World Apart.” Her early film credits include: “The Great Waldo Pepper,” “Lovin’ Molly,” “The Front Page” and the 1975 cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In 1978, she played Brooke Shields’ mother in Louis Malle’s controversial “Pretty Baby” and went on to receive her first Oscar® nomination in Malle’s “Atlantic City.” Sarandon’s additional feature credits include “King of the Gypsies,” “The Hunger,” “The Sweet Hearts,” “Compromising Positions,” “The January Man,” “White Palace,” “The Buddy System,” “Sweet Hearts Dance,” “A Dry White Season,” “The Witches of Eastwick,” “Bob Roberts,” “Light Sleeper,” “Little Women” and “Safe Passage.”

Sarandon starred opposite Paul Newman and Gene Hackman in “Twilight”; with Julia Roberts in the poignant comedy “Stepmom”; in the erotic farce “Illuminata,” directed by John Turturro; Tim Robbins’ drama “Cradle Will Rock”; Wayne Wang’s “Anywhere But Here”; and Stanley Tucci’s “Joe Gould’s Secret.” She also provided one of the voices for the hit animated feature “Rugrats in Paris” and served as narrator for Laleh Khadivi’s documentary “900 Women,” about female prison inmates. She also starred in HBO’s “Earthly Possessions,” based on the Anne Tyler novel and directed by James Lapine. On Broadway, Sarandon appeared in “An Evening with Richard Nixon” and received critical acclaim for her performances Off-Broadway in “A Coupla White Chicks Sittin’ Around Talkin’” and the thriller “Extremities” and in the Off-Off-Broadway production of “The Guys.”

Sarandon has been seen in Brad Silberling’s “Moonlight Mile” with Dustin Hoffman; in the comedy “Igby Goes Down” with Jeff Goldblum; and in “The Banger Sisters,” with Goldie Hawn and Geoffrey Rush. She was also in “Children of Dune” for the Sci-Fi channel and in “Ice Bound” for CBS and Miramax TV. She appeared in “Shall We Dance” with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez and “Alfie” with Jude Law. Recently, she has been in Cameron Crowe’s “Elizabethtown,” starring Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom; John Turturro’s “Romance & Cigarettes” with Kate Winslet and James Gandolfini; Ann Turner’s “Irresistible” with Sam Neill and Emily Blunt; and opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Seann William Scott in the comedy “Mr. Woodcock.”

Upcoming projects for the prolific actress include “Bernard and Doris,” opposite Ralph Fiennes, “Emotional Arithmetic,” “In the Valley of Elah” and the live-action “Speed Racer.”