Matching Pursuit

Nora Fiffer is a Chicago-based actress, writer, and producer.  Onstage, Nora's recent credits include: Sofia in Tom Jones at Northlight Theatre, Belle in Goodman Theatre’s Christmas Carol, Annie Sullivan in Miracle Worker at Indiana Repertory Theatre, Lilka in The Last Act of Lilka Kadison with Lookingglass Theatre, and Maggie in Eclipse Theatre’s After the Fall (Jeff Nomination).  She has also worked with Steppenwolf, Steep, Griffin, Chicago Shakespeare, Remy Bumppo, About Face, Silk Road, and Chicago Dramatists.  Nora appeared on Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC) and several short films.  Nora is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts and The School at Steppenwolf.  Nora can next be seen as Mary Dalton in Court Theatre's production of Native Son.  She is so grateful to the creative and hardworking people that have made this series possible.  

Lillian Michaels is a woman who decided to turn to volunteer services after she and her husband retired from their printing business of 40 years.  She became part of a choral group of 15 ladies, singing at various nursing homes in Chicago and suburbs, and continued on for 20 years.  For the last 10 years, she volunteered at the Lieberman Nursing Center in Skokie, where she enjoyed singing and dancing with the residents as part of their music therapy.  She also was given parts in several of their plays, and had great fun.  Now, she will be making her debut in acting, by having been given the part of Bubbe (the grandmother).  

She thanks all her children and grandchildren for their special love and support.  She also gives sincere thanks to her long list of friends (of all ages) for their special friendships.  Her feelings for a long, great, happy life is to "Keep Smiling" and to stay "Young at Heart."

Aaron Carney

Francesca Mereu most recently appeared at the Goodman in A Christmas Carol during the 2012/2013 Season. Her role as Emily Cratchit followed a walk-on appearance during the Christmas Carol 2011/2012 Season. Her other credits include the role of Nemo in the Play On Ltd.’s Production of Finding Nemo and an ensemble role in the Play On Ltd.’s The Muppet Show (directed by Lisa Bany-Winters/Second City); She played the role of the Kid Zoe in the Kingsley’s Drama Club Production of Night at the Museum (directed by Anne Fogarty/Lookingglass Theatre). She also played the roles of Helen Keller and The Cop in the Kingsley Drama Club Production of Welcome to the White City. She has studied hip-hop under Be The Groove founder Stephanie Paul, and ballet and modern dance at Dance Center Evanston. Amid her busy schedule, Francesca enjoys reading, gymnastics, playing with her friends, traveling to Italy to visit family, and spending time with her line coach––brother Matteo.

Melanie Brezill is thrilled to be a part of MATCHING PURSUIT. If only her dating her life could be half as exciting as her character Nia's... Alas, when she's not having fun behind the camera, she can be seen in the 2nd National Tour of The Book of Mormon. Special Thanks to Nora, Rachel, and the entire cast and crew!

Ethan Goldman

Scott Stangland is a Chicago-based actor and musician. He holds an MFA from The Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University, and has worked extensively throughout the city. Most recently, he's been seen in: THE WHEEL, and MAN FROM NEBRASKA (Steppenwolf Theatre); A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Goodman Theatre); EASTLAND (Lookingglass Theatre Company); and MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company). TV/Film credits include: CRISIS, CHICAGO FIRE, GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY, CONTAGION, and END OF THE TOUR. In his spare-time, Scott plays in the band YOUTH IN A ROMAN FIELD.

Alice da Cunha is thrilled to play Carolina in MATCHING PURSUIT. Chicago theatre credits include: Edelvisa in “Please Say Yes” at Redtwist Theatre, Liz in “After” at Profiles Theatre and her character Prof. Diuma proudly hosted the clown show “Dal Vivo” at The Den Theatre. Other theatre credits include: London -- “This Much is True” at Theatre 503, “The Illegals” at London’s City Hall, “Closing Time” at The Assembly Room and The Soho Theatre and “Anna in the Tropics” at The Hampstead Theatre. Film credits include “Paint”, “The Iron Lady” and “Outpost: The Black Sun”.

Alice is co-curating Physical Festival this summer, a new physical theater festival in Chicago alongside Marc Frost and Links Hall.  She is a graduate of Drama Studio London and The London International School of Performing Arts.

Andrew Biliter