LA's Attic Theatre Producer Denise Ragan Dies At 53

Well regarded LA theatre producer and actress/dancer Denise Wisenmeyer, passed away over the weekend of Feb. 11th, at her home in Chatham, IL. She was 53 years old. From all appearances she died peacefully in her sleep. Police found her in bed when they entered her house after family members had tried in vain to reach her.

Ms. Wiesenmeyer, who used the stage name Denise Ragan, was the Co-founder of the Attic Theatre Ensemble, one of Los Angeles' most prestigious small theater groups, in 1987 and served as its executive producer from 1987 to 1999. While at the ATTIC Theatre she produced over 60 plays including the LA premiere of Terrance McNally's "Love Valour Compassion", the 25th anniversary production of Jane Chambers' "Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove", the West Coast Premiere of Stephan Soundheim's "The Frogs" and the World Premiere of three plays by Joyce Carol Oates. Her productions at the ATTIC won 13 Drama-Logue awards including one for producing. She won the prestigious LA Drama Critics Circle award in 1994 for helping to establish "Theatre Row -Hollywood", and her productions won many Critic Choices and Picks of the Week from the local LA press. She also worked as Coordinating Producer for the Inner-City Cultural Center in Los Angeles, and held creative positions with Rueben Postaer Advertising Agency and Film Consultants, Ltd.

As a performer before turning to producing, she appeared in several television and film projects such as "Divorce Court," and several independent films. She had a degree in Dance from Webster Groves College in St. Louis, and pursued a professional dance career in Los Angeles for 10 years.

Ms. Wiesenmeyer was born in Springfield, IL, and was a graduate of Chatham Glenwood High School. She returned to Illinois in 2000 to take care of family business, and for health reasons. She continued to serve on the Board of Directors of the Attic Theatre Conservatory, the parent company of the Attic Theatre Ensemble, the One Act Marathon, and the ATTIC Theatre & Film Center.

James Carey, Co-founder of the ATTIC with Ms. Wiesenmeyer, said "I never knew a better producer. I can say without question if Denise Ragan had not been at my side, the ATTIC [which just entered its 21st season] would not still exist. It is because of her passion, dedication, love and hard work- that the theatre thrived and grew. Denise was one of my best friends for over 22 years and was my partner for over 15 years. She was a true friend and one that I loved a great deal. My world is a little sadder with her not in it. She was one of the best souls that I have ever known."

There was a memorial gathering followed by a service held on Saturday, Feb. 17th at the Sangamon Prair ie Reception in Springfield. A memorial service/wake celebrating the life and career of Denise Ragan will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 4th at 2 PM at the ATTIC Theatre & Film Center. The ceremony will be followed by a wine and cheese reception featuring photos, programs, and videos from her career celebrating Denise's life and memory. The ceremony will take place at the Attic Theatre and Film Center, 5429 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles (East of Fairfax near Hauser). In lieu of flowers, her family and the ATTIC request that donations in Memory of Denise Ragan Wiesenmeyer be sent to the Animal Protective League of Springfield. The address is Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, Springfield, IL. You can learn more about the charity at http://www.springfield-illinois.com/apl/.

An online memorial has been set up for Denise Ragan Wiesenmeyer at the ATTIC Theatre website with photos and a guest book for visitors. The website address is www.Attictheatre.org.