For Immediate Release: May 17, 2005
Media Contact: Debra Donahue, The Chalfonte Hotel, 609.884.8409

Jilline Ringle, "Philadelphia's Coolest Actress" passed away in March from complications from her two year battle with cancer. Before her death, Ringle conceived of a program to help other actresses like herself who performed solo productions, aptly named the Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Program. Soon after her tragic loss, a group of people from her various lives (Arden Theatre, 1812 Productions, Bryn Mawr College, The Chalfonte Hotel, old friends and colleagues) formed a committee to mount "Jilline Ringle: Words and Songs" at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May on June 5th, which will benefit the Program which will be administered by 1812 Productions.

Though she appeared in ensemble casts at The Arden Theater and 1812 Productions, Ringle's signature achievement was her series of original solo cabarets performed throughout Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Cape May. Among her creations were "Mondo Mangia", "La Dolce Vita", "Come Fly With Me", "For Me, Formidable: French Maid Easy" and "Shut Up and Kiss Me." Each of these productions gave Ringle a new and different platform to showcase her talents < musical, theatrical and comedic < driven by her fierce intelligence and her generously curvy 6'2" frame. Ringle never thought she fit the mainstream definition of "actress" and so she invented a career that allowed her to be fully who she was. Her longtime collaborator and friend, Michael Ogborn, not only helped her with her repertoire, but also wrote songs with her in mind, further portraying her particular style.

Another frequent collaborator, Jen Childs, Artistic Director at 1812 Productions, spoke recently about the inception of the program. "When Jilline found out she was sick again, we had difficult conversations about the future. She expressed her wish to start a fund in her name that would support solo performers. She wanted to help people who were trying to do what she was doing. We have established the Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Program which will do just that."

It wasn't an easy road that Jilline chose, being a solo performer. She had to be savvy, negotiate contracts, hire accompanists and others to handle the technical aspects of her productions. The venues where she performed saw sell-out audiences and large, loyal followings, but even so, she produced her shows at substantial personal financial risk. "The Program," notes Childs, "has a vision statement, advisory board and submission guidelines for those artists wishing to be considered for funding. Our goals are to make certain that the funding go to solo artists to help them take the next step with their work, and that these artists are of a level of artistic excellence with which we will all be proud to have Jilline's name associated."

After her death, her many supporters were gratified to learn that Ringle's vision would be realized allowing performers like her to receive assistance to pursue their art. Amy Murphy, Managing Director of the Arden Theater Company and 1812's Jen Childs lead the planning of the June event in Cape May, joined by Arden's Artistic Director, Terry Nolen, and Fran Brookes, Production Manager and ArtReach's Executive Director Michael Norris. Murphy also garnered the support of actors and friends Todd Waddington, Grace Gonglewski and Suzanne O'Donnell, all of whom had worked on stage and off with Jilline. Longtime collaborator Michael Ogborn, and childhood friends Regina Regonis and Susan Platt and college mate, Murph Henderson were soon on board as well as the staff of The Chalfonte Hotel.

The group was sure that Cape May was the right location as Jilline spent more than a decade performing there < nearly a third of every one of those years. The Chalfonte held a special place for Jilline and also for her father, Charles Ringle, who, along with two brothers, survives Jilline. A retired theater instructor, Charles, or "Chipster" as Jilline fondly called him, came to every show opening and also designed the lighting for her, happy in the service.

The Chalfonte as the chosen venue will be transformed into a theater, and attendees will be treated to a retrospective of Ringle's extraordinary journey with many of her signature songs and excerpts from her writings. The Chalfonte has donated the use of the Hotel's restaurant, bar and public areas, food and staffing for the event. The entire presentation is a collaborative effort and promises to "capture Jilline's sparkling intelligence, keen wit and remarkable spirit," according to the organizers.

There will be a cocktail-style buffet from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with all of Jilline's favorite Chalfonte menu items, and time for those gathered to share and celebrate her life. Dessert and coffee will be served after the 6:00 performance. Tickets are $75 as a tax-deductible donation to the Program. Actually to reserve a ticket they must call 1812. For information and reservations, call The Chalfonte Hotel at 609-884-8409. The Chalfonte is located at 301 Howard Street in Cape May, New Jersey. For more information about the Solo Performance Program, contact 1812 Productions at 215-592-9560 ext. 10.

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