n.u.f.a.n. ensemble is proud to announce the cast of the upcoming mainstage world-premiere of “Cold Weather Comfort.”

Jeff Mclane (Buddy) lives in Chicago with his lovely wife of two years. He has been acting professionally for the past 14 years - most of which has been Shakespearean. He finished shooting an online t.v. pilot called "Festervision" This last year in Los Angeles has been asked to be a part of the online series "The Hunted". Jeff is also a screenwriter of 10 years and is in the process of finishing two features, one of which he will shoot an investment trailer for in the coming year. Jeff is very excited to be a part of "Cold Weather Comfort" and is honored to make his debut with n.u.f.a.n. ensemble.

Ben Muller (William) hails from the San Francisco Bay Area in California. He came to Chicago four years ago, both to learn what seasons felt like, and to study at The Theatre Conservatory at the  Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where he recently earned his B.F.A in acting. The CCPA is known widely, both for its focus on professional performing, and its very long name.

He has worked with several up-and-coming theater companies in Chicago. Most recently he was seen at the John Waldron Arts Center in Edison Park, as part of their production of Forever Plaid. He is also a member of the artistic ensemble for MidTangent Productions, and has appeared as Oberon/Theseus in three consecutive runs of their annual production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Queer Tale.  MTP is trying to take Queer Tale to the New  York Fringe Festival this summer, and will be holding several fundraisers throughout the year. More information about these can be found at the company’s myspace page, www.myspace.com/midtangent

Ben, having gotten the shameless plug out of the way, is very happy to be working with n.u.f.a.n. Falling in with such a dedicated, talented group of people is a real treat.

Sarah R. Sapperstein (Sharon) is thrilled to be working with n.u.f.a.n. again after performing in the whirlwind 2008 productions of 7Plays in 7Days and Table and Chairs Festival.  Other Chicago work includes musical theatre and theatre projects and premieres with Circle Theatre, Village Players, Collage Productions, Polarity Ensemble, Thunder & Lightning Ensemble, Halcyon Theatre, Big Brother Productions, Red PJ's Productions, and Gorilla Tango Theatre. Originally from Baltimore, Sarah holds a double B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance and Classical/Near Eastern Archaeology from the University of Redlands in Southern California.  A big "thank you!" to Paulie B and the n.u.f.a.n. crew, to this wonderful cast, to Jamie for this great opportunity, and to the audience for supporting Chicago theatre.

Jessie Stegner (Alex) is very excited to be working with n.u.f.a.n. on Cold Weather Comfort.  Work in the Chicago area includes Bethiah Sings, part of the Bailiwick's Director's Festival as well as Katy and Judy, at the Village Players of Oak Park. Jessie recently graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. While in Boulder, she performed in various productions including Angels in America: Perestroika (Hannah), Matt and Ben (Matt) and Twilight of the Golds (Suzanne). Love to Mom, Dad, Terry, Mary, Max, Chris, Susan, Mike and Michael.

Carl Zeitler (Earl) appreciates your choice to be here as part of a great live theatre audience instead of being at home playing with your pug, dachshund, or Maltese. He also commends the invaluable contributions of Paul, Jamie, Lauren, Mary, Megan, Jenny, Brandon, Sarah, Jessie, Jeff, and Ben to this production. Carl is excited to be part of this n.u.f.a.n. ensemble show. Some of Carl’s favorite previous productions include the title character in Dracula, Dan in Closer, Anthony in The House of Yes, Blore in And Then There Were None, and Lenny in Rumors. Big thanks go to his family and friends for their ongoing support. Enjoy the show!