Nena Botto is ready for her close-up – and so is St. Johns.

Botto, an actress and St. Johns resident, has given her neighborhood a starring role in her new web series, Blue Fiddles. Billed by Botto as “Sex and the City meets Lucille Ball,” the series chronicles the everyday adventures of three female friends in the Rose City. 

The Ladybug Café, a St. Johns staple, is featured prominently in the premiere webisode, as is the café’s owner, Angel O’Brien. The streets surrounding the downtown plaza also get screen time. Other scenes feature businesses from Portland and Forest Grove, all of which donated their spaces and food to the 26-person volunteer cast and crew.

“There’s just been a magic about Blue Fiddles from the very beginning,” said Botto. “So many people just reached out. We had 11 locations donated to us; local designers provided clothing; most of the food was either discounted or donated. It’s been amazing.” 

Botto started the series with her friend and co-star, Alysin Shaw. Their goal was simple: to entertain. Given that neither had done film or television before – and that they were funding the project “with our play money,” said Botto, laughing – they thought the web was the perfect high-exposure, low-cost venue for Blue Fiddles.

The first episode follows Lisa (Botto), a newly single woman coping with the heartbreak of her husband leaving her for a man. While in her therapist’s waiting room, she meets Sam (Shaw) and Bree (Belinda Schramm), a pair of kindred spirits coping with their own oft-comical challenges. 

Sound a whole lot like Sex and the City? Well, that’s the point.

“The main component I love in Sex and the City is the friendship between the women,” said Botto. “Everyone else noticed these qualities; I didn’t label it as a Portland [sitcom].” 

Botto’s main goal was “to make a series by women, about women, for women.” But what’s in it for men?

“I’ve found that they enjoy it a great deal,” Botto said. “Whatever issues the characters are going through – dealing with lecherous bosses, boyfriends – the men enjoy it as well. It has a universal appeal because people everywhere feel vulnerable in their daily lives, and Blue Fiddles showcases that.” 

She recalls being contacted by the volunteer who ended up doing lighting design for the project. 

“He was a guy in his mid-20s who’d picked up the script and said he couldn’t put it down,” said Botto. “It has a huge appeal, and a big range of people who respond to it.”

That wide appeal was exemplified by Blue Fiddles’ Jan. 25 big-screen premiere at the Hollywood Theatre, and the number of people who have responded to the project from near and far.

“It’s much bigger than I thought it would be,” Botto said, adding, “We even had a reporter contact us from Italy!” She credits the web-based nature of Blue Fiddles for helping her “go international by accident,” and also appreciates the independence that online self-distribution has provided.

“You can stay grassroots, keep creating the way you are, without having to pander to anyone,” said Botto. 

To watch episodes of Blue Fiddles, go to www.bluefiddles.net