DENISE MCGOWAN TRACY
Executive Producer|Book & Lyrics
A native Chicagoan, Denise has been a recognized face and force in Chicago’s entertainment community – both on-stage and behind the scenes – for 35+ years. She began her career managing and booking the talent for the storied Byfield’s nightclub. She is the creator and co-host, with Beckie Menzie, of the long-running impromptu musical showcase Monday Night Live at Petterino’s. Where recently celebrated their 500th show. Denise served as Director of Entertainment for Navy Pier for a decade producing all public programming for millions of visitors. As founder of DMT Entertainment & Events, her full-service entertainment production and event management company, she has produced events for clients including Landmarks Illinois, Lettuce Entertain You, The Sarah Siddons Society and The ABA. www.dmtentertainment.com
With “Eleanor” she begins a new chapter in theater as playwright, producer and creator. Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical is based on the book of the same name published by McGowan Tracy in 2012.
KATHLEEN BUTLER-DUPLESSIS
Music & Lyrics
Kathleen Butler-Duplessis is a Chicago-based composer and actress whose work includes a song in the musical Girlhood, with CPA theatricals; “None of My Business," featured at the Chicago Humanities Festival; and “Gimme That Fat Cat,” which went viral and appeared in People magazine, Buzzfeed, Vice, and more. You'll often see her performing at The Paper Machete, in addition to serving as music director for The Second City and appearing as an improviser and an AEA actress across Chicago. You can find more on her YouTube channel, “Kathleen Sings Stuff.”
TATJANA RADISIC
Costume Designer
Tatjana Radisic is considered one of the most creative scenic artists, having a major influence on other designers working in her field at the moment. Ms. Radisic’s designs for theatre, dance and opera productions are marked by a synthesis of her European training and her own whimsical imagination. Her work has been seen on stages throughout the country, internationally and on screen. Ms. Radisic holds a double BA from Belgrade University in Fine and Applied Arts, and an MFA from Belgrade University in Costume Design. Ms. Radisic’s work has been seen in USA, Serbia, Croatia, Germany, Romania, Ireland and Tasmania-Australia. Her work includes groundbreaking experiments in costuming in her collaborations with Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, Steppenwolf Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Writers' Theatre, Redmoon Theate, Drury Lane Water Tower Place, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, Blair Thomas and Co., 500 Clown, Hedwig Dances, Victory Gardens Theater, Northlight Theatre, Live Bait Theatre, American Theater Company, UMA Productions, Apple Tree Theatre, The Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival South Band, Creede Repertory Theatre Company, among others.