MORGAN PARK — Just ahead of its red carpet debut, "Not A Stranger" — a film written and produced in Beverly — has received a three-star review.
Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper referred to a monologue delivered by actress Melora Walters in the indie film as "powerful a piece of acting as I’ve seen this year."
Originally titled "Old Bob," the screenplay for the film was written last year by Dennis Foley of Beverly. The film stars James Russo, who began his acting career as the convenience store robber in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."
Russo has gone on to star in movies such as "Donnie Brasco," "Public Enemies," "Beverly Hills Cop" and more. Meanwhile, his latest film in Beverly was shot for just $130,000.
Russo not only plays the title character in "Not A Stranger," but he also directed the project that was shot at locations such as Ellie's Cafe in Morgan Park as well as Sutherland Elementary School, Janson's Drive-In and St. Barnabas Church in Beverly.
"Not A Stranger" will debut at a sold-out screening at 7:30 p.m. today at the Beverly Arts Center. Tickets remain available for shows on Saturday as well as June 18 at the center, 2407 W. 111th St. in Morgan Park.
Tickets to the screenings cost $12 for members of the center or $15 for nonmembers. For more information, call 773-445-3838.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
