Denise Ragab Memorial

We recently lost a beloved member of our Attic family. Denise Wiesenmeyer, whose stage name was Denise Ragan, passed away sometime between Saturday February 10th and Tuesday February 13th when she was found in her home in Chatam, Illinois. Denise, along with James Carey, co-founded The Attic Theatre Ensemble in 1987 and was its driving force until, due to reasons of health, she returned to her home in Chatam. She continued on the board of directors of The Attic Theatre and Film Center until her death. You can share the thoughts of those who knew her below. A memorial service/wake celebrating the life and career of Denise Ragan will take place Sunday, March 4th at 2 PM at the ATTIC Theatre & Film Center. A memorial ceremony followed by a wine and cheese reception featuring photos, programs, and videos from her career will celebrate Denise's life and memory. Come share your memories, stories, and reflections on this special woman who touched so many lives in the LA theatre community. Attic Theatre and Film Center 5429 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles (East of Fairfax near Hauser) 323-525-0600.

Denise was one of my best friends for over 22 years. She had been my lover and was my partner for over 15 years. We had relationship filled with much turmoil and passion as many artist types do. But I never doubted that she was a true friend and one that I loved a great deal. My world and everyone is a little sadder with her not in it. She was one of the best souls that I have ever known. She could overwhelm you with her need to help you and be your friend, but it always came from a place of caring and love.

At her best, I never knew a better producer. I can say without question if Denise Ragan had not been at my side then 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. She won a Drama-Logue award for producing, shared in the LA Drama Critics Circle award that was given in 1994 to "Theatre Row - Hollywood", she produced about 50 to 60 plays for the ATTIC and served as it executive producer from 1987 to 1999. She still served on the Board of Directors of the Attic Theatre Conservatory, the parent company of the Attic Theatre Ensembe, the One Act Marathon, and the ATTIC Theatre & Film Center.

I remember Denise as a person who always made sure things got done. She would always make sure people would show up for work calls at the theatre and were always given specific tasks when they got there. She was at her most amazing when producing the annual One-Act Marathon which under her guidance consisted of 12 plays performed over 4 nights in a week which at one time meant the coordination of over 90 people for a period of over 3 months. I have a friend who still wants to come to our opening nights because he remembers there was always food and that too was ensured by Denise. I remember her noticing my speaking up at company meetings and encouraged me to do so more often. I remember her as being extremely energetic, wonderfully creative and oddly sad. but always a friend to all. She will be missed.

She was fun, I loved seeing her whenever we came in for rehearsal or performing. And I remember her wearing an especially spectacular red dress on our opening night of "Equus" and telling her how great she looked that night.

It was a dancer's dress....with a swirling ballet length hem. Some things you remember well and best about someone you admired. She had stories about her production experience that I enjoyed hearing.

James, your note brings me great sadness. My heart goes out to you, and to all who knew and loved her. Thank you so much for your loving tribute. My faith suggests that she has also read it and been touched by it, as have I. She was a complex, loving and talented person, and I have many fond memories. I will treasure these memories and my friendship with her.

I am sad to hear of her passing, she was a good friend and we shared many laughs together - usually at your expense (kidding). I miss our dinners for 6, those were some fun times - even if some people had to pay more than others. :)

The strangest thing is - I had a dream Tues night that you and Denise were in. When I awoke, I thought it was strange that Denise would appear in a dream. Maybe she was visiting me one last time. Same thing happened to me when a high school friend passed away.

We will all miss her James. She loved to help others so her reward now is eternal. She no doubt pleased God.

James, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her and hoped for her future happiness. May she find peace. We love you, Jan & John

I was quite taken back to read your e-mail about Denise. Shocked to say the least. And very sadened. I have such great memories of her. Seems like only yesterday that we were painting sets, the floor to the stage, or doing anything else that needed to be done to get the show up. There will never be anyone like her. She loved the Attic, the members, and the theatre more than anything else. I wish your current members had the opportunity to know who she was the way the older members got to know her. Her spirit will always live in the Attic...Kinda cool when you say it that way! But I agree with you, the Attic would not exist today had she not done her part in the formative years. She was a ball buster that knew how to put on a show. And nothing was going to keep her from getting the show up on time.

As a former Artistic Director of the Attic, I would like to propose that the new second space be named after her. On behalf of those that knew her, I can easily say this...she earned it.

I am so sorry, I can only imagine how sad you must be. Denise was such an important part of your life. My thoughts are with you.

Denise was one of the best. So the best we can do is celebrate the time she was here among us, mourn her passing, embrace all her multitude of of goodness, and learn from her troubles and weaknesses. I'm certain that this is what she would want all those that loved and cared for her to do, You most off all.

Hang in there. The pain, the laughter, the numbness, the memories, the
ups and downs - it is what makes our life, our loves, our passions
real.

Thinking fondly of Denise - who I admired and respected and loved
dearly (even though she couldn't possibly have known that),
Praying for her.
She's with you, watching you, with that sparkle in her eye and
happiness in her soul.

Love,
Kristi

James:
thanks for telling me, I'm sorry to hear the news. I still remember Denise
running around handing out props or fluffing our TuTu's during the Attic's
first LVC production. I hope you're doing well.
--Derek

Mark Seldis ( former producing director Actor's Gang and now Artistic Director Ghost Road)

Her spirit and tenacity as a theatre maker were incredible and she always had a way to make everyone feel so good about what they were doing with every production. You are correct, - if Denise was involved, the job always got done.

Hello James - thank you for letting me know. What a beautiful tribute you wrote to/about her. I hope that she has achieved the peace that you speak about as well. Hope you are fine too. ~Karesa

hi james,
so sorry to hear about denise's passing.
i remember her fondly and always respected her.
she deserves my feelings of sadness and loss.
thanks for letting all of us know.
regards, liz

Brad Sergi

I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear of
Denise's passing.

David Head

Dear Attic colleagues,
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Denise Ragan.
From all of us at 24th Street Theatre Los Angeles

If you would like to add your own thoughts please sign our guest book by clicking here.

When Denise died, she had 7 cats. We had them rescued
from Animal Control and had them donated to the
Animal Protective League of Springfield, Ill. Her cats
will live out the rest of their natural lives at this
shelter. If you wish to contribute to their care -
please send a donation in Memory of Denise Wiesenmeyer
to:
Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd,
Springfield, IL
(217) 544-7387
http://www.springfield-illinois.com/apl/