In these stressful times a group of independent filmmakers, writers, and a host of talented actors are banding together to bring fans Pandemic Players, a series of streamed charity “table reads” of classic films, TV shows, radio plays, and more! The series will help raise funds for those impacted most by the ongoing pandemic
The series launches Wednesday, November 25 on Pandemic Players’ YouTube channel with Raising Arizona written by Joel and Ethan Coen. The table read will feature headliners Zachary Levi (Chuck, Shazam!) as H.I. McDunnough and Alison Pill (Star Trek: Picard, Newsroom) as Ed.
“Like most creatives we felt powerless as the pandemic raged across the country,” said producer Darren Dean. “We wanted to use our powers for good, which in our case meant calling on our fellow artists to give of their time and talent to raise money for worthy causes and at the same time – we hope – provide some much needed entertainment to our fellow citizens during this terrible time.”
Rounding out the cast are Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) as Nathan Arizona Sr., Clancy Brown (Highlander, The Shawshank Redemption) as Gale Snoats, Macon Blair (Blue Ruin, The Florida Project) as Evelle Snoats, Ross Partridge (The Evening Hour, Billions) and Sarah Clarke (24, Bosch) will read Glen and Dot, while Leonard Smalls, the memorable role originated on screen by Randall “Tex” Cobb will be played by Jeff “The Dude” Dowd. Leila Almas Rose and Jaime Zavallos will play Supercast Members 1 & 2, while Jordana Brewster (CBS’ Lethal Weapon, The Fast and the Furious franchise) will serve as narrator.
The Raising Arizona production will benefit Covenant House, and is on a “pay what you can,” basis. Simply donate whatever you can to the campaign here and you’re in! Pandemic Players will partner with a variety of charities that support frontline workers and first responders; out-of-work artists and service industry employees; minority communities; and others that have been hit by this global disaster, with 100% of all donations going directly to the charities.
Pandemic Players is produced by director/producer Matthew Barber (The Right Stuff, Chuck), filmmaker Chris Brown (The Other Kids), filmmaker Darren Dean (Tangerine, The Florida Project), writer/producer Frederik Ehrhardt, producer and IndieWire.com co-founder Mark Rabinowitz, and writer/producer Myrta Vida. The producers plan to release new shows roughly every month from November through the end of the pandemic. Future productions include The Breakfast Club and Heathers.
The Pandemic Players troupe currently includes: Macon Blair, Clancy Brown, Sarah Clarke, Jeff “The Dude” Dowd, Zachary Levi, Dean Norris, Ross Partridge, Alison Pill, Leila Almas Rose, and Jaime Zevallos, with many, many more to be added! It’s going to be an exciting new endeavor that will both help raise funds for those in need while also raising the spirits of everyone during this difficult time.
Raising Arizona will air on the Pandemic Players YouTube channel here on November 25 at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST. You can also learn more about Pandemic Players on their website! Be sure to donate what you can for a ticket, then sit back, grab some popcorn and tune in for the show!
