Cast & Crew

Michael Paxton (Writer/Producer/Director) brings his experience in live action film, animation and theater to AYN RAND: A SENSE OF LIFE. After receiving his M. F. A. at New York University's Graduate Institute of Film and TV, he co-produced and directed the award-winning world premiere of Ayn Rand's play, IDEAL, at the Melrose Theater in Hollywood in 1989. In 1991, he adapted and directed a dramatic presentation of Miss Rand's futuristic novelette, ANTHEM, to sold-out houses at Hollywood's Lex Theatre. He also co-directed A PLACE IN THE CIRCLE, a documentary on…

Sharon Gless (Narrator) has brought her own brand of humor, intelligence and dramatic flair to each of her roles.  She is best known for her portrayal of New York Police Detective Christine Cagney on the hit series CAGNEY & LACEY.  The role garnered her two Emmys®, a Golden Globe®, and six Emmy® nominations.  Gless then re-teamed with the show's executive producer, Barney Rosenzweig, on THE TRIALS OF ROSIE O’NEILL, for which she was awarded her second Golden Globe® and two more Emmy® nominations.  Her other television credits include SWITCH, HOUSE…

Janne Peters (Kay Gonda) originated the role of Kay Gonda in 1989 for the World Premier of Ayn Rand’s IDEAL, directed by Michael Paxton. She won a DRAMALOGUE Award and a Drama Critics Circle nomination for her performance. In New York, she received an ACE Award for her role as Marlene in the Off-Broadway production of Fassbinder's THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT. She has worked at various regional theatres, including the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre, Ford's Theatre, and the touring company of the Washington DC Shakespeare Festival. Her film…

Jeff Britting (Associate Producer/Composer) studied music and philosophy at the University of California at Berkeley.  He co-produced and composed incidental scores for the 1989 world premiere of IDEAL and the stage adaptation of ANTHEM.  Mr. Britting contributed writing and music to Patrick Burton's theatre work, UNTIL, starring Quentin Crisp and is co-producer of the forthcoming feature film TAKE TWO, directed by Sharyn Blumenthal. As a film composer, his scores include COFFEE DATE and STAG PARTY, directed by Stewart Wade, and THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, directed by Caroline Carrigan.  Mr. Britting…