Feature Screenplay & Stage Play

Devils, Dancing & Dead People

A Screenplay by Dale R. Botten with Marion Gustafson and Brandon Cole

Based on the award-winning stage play by Dale R. Botten with Matthew Cetnar

75th Writer's Digest Competition Honorable Mention (Out of nearly 19,000 entries)

Devils, Dancing and Dead People Poster

Click to enlarge poster

Project Synopsis

The Devil's agent and three heaven-sent ghosts battle over the soul of a despondent waterfront bartender, who is contemplating suicide during a freak Halloween blizzard.

Stage to Screen Adaptation: Originally written as an award-winning stage play with the assistance of Matthew Cetnar, Devils, Dancing and Dead People was expertly expanded into a feature screenplay by Dale R. Botten, Marion Gustafson, and Brandon Cole.

Accolades

Awards & Festival Laurels

Devils, Dancing and Dead People Awards and Laurels

• Honorable Mention - 75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition (Stage Play Script Category, ~19,000 entries)
• Silver Award - Milan Gold Awards Feature Script (December 2022)
• Honorable Mention - Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards
• Semi-Finalist - Santa Monica Film Awards (2023)

Stage Production Archive

2013 Stage Play Premiere

History Theatre • Douglas County Historical Society — Superior, WI (2013)

Original Production Program Booklet

Click page to enlarge

Program Page 1 - Program Cover

Page 1 of 8: Program Cover

Program Page 2 - Cast of Characters & Setting

Page 2 of 8: Cast of Characters & Setting

Program Page 3 - Director's Note

Page 3 of 8: Director's Note

Program Page 4 - About the Cast (Part 1)

Page 4 of 8: About the Cast (Part 1)

Program Page 5 - About the Cast (Part 2) & Special Thanks

Page 5 of 8: About the Cast (Part 2) & Special Thanks

Program Page 6 - Playwright & Co-Writer Bios

Page 6 of 8: Playwright & Co-Writer Bios

Program Page 7 - History Theatre & Membership

Page 7 of 8: History Theatre & Membership

Program Page 8 - Production Credits & Sponsors

Page 8 of 8: Production Credits & Sponsors

Production Credits

Playwrights: Dale R. Botten with Matthew R. Cetnar
Director: Ben Borchert
Producer: Kathy Laakso
Lighting & Sound Design: Edwin Johnson
Costumes: Teddie Meronek
Stage Design & Construction: Ed Johnson
Sound & Light Crew: Jon Winter & Kathy Laakso
Publicity: JoAnn Jardine

Original Cast (In Order of Appearance)

J.D. (Bartender): Tim Sislo
Estelle Bonet: Jessa Swift
Benny (Sailor): Kyle Pipkorn
John (WWII German SS Soldier): Matt Davey
Beverly / Andy: Jen Dobbins
Mr. Applebee (Devil's Agent): John Center
Aaron (J.D.'s Buddy): Adam Davis
Radio Announcer (Voice): John Munson (KUWS)

Archival Recording

Stage Performance Archive Video

The following video of DEVILS, DANCING AND DEAD PEOPLE is a “for-record” recording only and not intended as an artistic endeavor.

Inquiries & Script Requests

Devils, Dancing & Dead People (Screenplay & Stage Play) is available for producers, directors, and theater companies upon request.

Contact CurlyVic Films