Stepping into the House of White Spiders

Young and struggling artist, Stephen Kramer, has a penchant for horror films, to the point of monetarily straining he and his live-in girlfriend. A seemingly sweet older neighbor, Mrs. Thomas, offers them a financially lucrative proposition to ease their economic woes. Mrs. Thomas’ longtime friend, Celia Watson, a real estate agent, needs help cleaning out an old home on lonely Raven’s End, a road barely found on the map in the remote town of Whitewood. Stephen is lured by $5,000 for a few days of labor, but is warned along the way, “No one goes to Raven’s End unless they’re lost,” and learns the homeowner, Dr. Marrek, had suddenly disappeared a few days before. Stephen encounters Celia Watson at the home, an eccentric woman with an equally strange wardrobe, reminiscent to Stephen’s horror film characters. Stephen soon learns, not only does the house hold many secrets, but surprises relevant to him and his own past. STILLWATER — The above story is the brainchild of writer, producer, and director, Gregg Taylor, of the Bluebottle Company of Hackettstown, who had in mind an old-fashioned, Hitchcock-type of horror film for, “House of White Spiders”. The film was shot on location in Hackettstown and Mount Olive. It premiered in the fall, and is available on DVD. Taylor sought out area talent and found Sussex County residents William Rivera, Ruth Ann Endress, Beth Hoffman, and Don Thoenig, to fill the parts of Stephen Kramer, Mrs. Thomas, Celia Watson, and Dr. Marrek. Hoffman and Thoenig heard about the opportunity through the Little Lost Arts Theater in Branchville. Hoffman, a reading teacher from Sparta, stars as Celia Watson. Hoffman, who spent five days filming over the summer, enjoyed working with Taylor and his wife, Maryann. She also worked with Rivera and Endress. Her daughters, Jill and Kristen, additionally became involved, handling their pet rat Twinkie, who appeared in the movie’s beginning. Hoffman said the filming process gave her an insight what Hollywood movie actors go through. She was especially fascinated about acting her part without another actor present. “There was one scene where I was angry and yelling at no one, it was very odd yelling at no one,” she laughed. Hoffman said she differs from her character, and the antiquated clothing helped her play her part. “She [Watson] and I are polar opposites,” Hoffman said. “With me, you know where you stand, with her, you don’t.” Her husband Chris said he was impressed with Hoffman’s performance, which he watched at the film’s opening. Hoffman and daughter Jill will appear in Taylor’s film, “Shadows to Oblivion”. Thoenig is a seasoned actor from Stillwater, involved with community theater since high school. He has additionally directed, and worked with special props and set design. “I was very shy and came out because I could become another character.” Theater groups include: Little Lost Arts, Pegasus Players, Cornerstone Playhouse, and C.C. and Company, a luncheon and dinner theater company. Thoenig has also acted in short films and on television. He and wife Una Lee portray Santa and Mrs. Claus during the holidays. Thoenig’s appearance as Dr. Marek was brief, including a scene with Rivera, flashback footage, and his voice on cassette. Of his character, Thoenig said, “He is a good guy who does bad things, to do what he has to do.” Thoemig said people at the premiere were drawn to the storyline, and the film’s quality. “It’s not a slasher type of plot, you get to know the clues and pick up things later on,” he said. Ruth Ann Endress of Branchville was asked by Gregg Taylor to play Mrs. Thomas, after having known his family for a number of years. “I can’t tell you how much fun it was,” Endress said. “He [Taylor] is so enthusiastic and purposeful. As a director, he’s good fun, patient, and kind. I had the time of my life working on this film.” She warned viewers to wait until morning to watch the DVD. “It’s scary,” she chuckled. “I was frightened watching it alone.” Endress’ daughters, son, and grandchildren attended the premiere. Her grandchildren were enthused, but now joke to “watch out for grandma with a shovel.” “It’s not everyday grandma gets to be in a movie,” she added. “I was honored to be a part of it and look forward to being involved again. It has truly enhanced my life.” Casting the part of Stephen Kramer was the final step for Taylor, who was flooded with requests from hopefuls for the role. His daughter suggested he look at photos on the Facebook page of her friend, William Rivera. “All I saw were three photos and knew that he was Stephen Kramer,” Taylor recalled. “I don’t think I’d ever cast anyone in that role, no one else can give it that experience.” Rivera, a Stillwater resident and 2008 Kittatinny Regional High School graduate, has been a stage actor since seventh grade, His productions have included: South Pacific, Oklahoma!, Anything Goes, Hello, Dolly!, The Three Musketeers, The Pirates of Penzance, Tommy, and Aladdin. “House of White Spiders” was his first film experience. “The adjustment is really interesting, I’m used to working with a living breathing audience,” he said. “With theater everything is big and animated.” Rivera, in addition to acting, sings, dances, and plays guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and piano. “He has talent and is capable of going 100 percent,” said Sal Rivera. “I will support him 100 percent and see he has a future ahead.” For more information about “House of White Spiders”, see www.thebluebottlecompany.com.