20th Anniversary Of GCTC/CCLA Lawyer Play Pays Tribute To A Radio Classic

From June 5th to June 8th, Great Canadian Theatre Company and the County of Carleton Law Association will be presenting the 20th Annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser. A cast of 23 local lawyers and judges will perform War of Two Worlds, a new work and adaptation by GCTC's Artistic Director and Managing Director, Eric Coates and Hugh Neilson, with apologies to Orson Welles. The production is a radio-play-within-a-play, following an ensemble of voice actors in the late 1940s as they attempt to save their radio station while recreating Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds.

Instead of a courtroom, these lawyers will be spending their evenings in a set designed to look like a recording studio of yesteryear. In place of legal arguments, they will be reciting old-fashioned commercials and jingles. Under the direction of Kate Smith (The Virgin Trial, Company of Fools, Skeleton Key), War of Two Worlds will bring back some favourite faces in honour of the 20th anniversary. Lawyer Play alumni will be making cameos, much to the delight of longtime fans.

· Thursday, June 6 - Sheila Bayne, Ted Mann, Brian Parnega

· Friday, June 7 - Madam Justice Lise Parent, Madam Justice Heather Williams

· Saturday, June 8 - Ian Stauffer, Madam Justice Giovanna Roccamo

"This year's Lawyer Play is a celebration of the success we've had over the past 20 years," say the co-chairs of the Lawyer Play Committee, Tara Berish and Dan Hohnstein. "We put the call out for previous stars to return, and they answered. Performing together for so many years has brought this community close together. We can't wait to see what the next 20 years bring!"

The Lawyer Play is one of the legal community's longest running and most successful fundraisers. Over 20 years, it has raised over two million dollars in support of GCTC productions and selected charity partners. This year, the Lawyer Play Committee selected St. Mary's Home, an Ottawa-based social service agency that provides a full range of programs and services for young pregnant women, young moms and dads, and their infants and young children.

"St. Mary's Home supports young women to have a healthy pregnancy and birth, and helps young parents gain the knowledge and skills to raise healthy and happy children," says Executive Director Kathleen Cummings. "With the generous support of the Lawyers Play, we will be able to continue to deliver specialized residential and community support services to marginalized young pregnant women (ages 13-25), young parents and their children."

Director of Marketing & Development of GCTC Nicole Milne says, "This milestone anniversary is a true celebration of community. In addition to the volunteer lawyers and judges on stage, many Ottawa businesses and catering companies have generously donated their goods and services to the cause. From opening night catering by the award-winning Coconut Lagoon, to complimentary tastings from a selection of local wineries, breweries and distilleries, to the silent auction that includes gift certificates from various businesses in Wellington West to passes to Bluesfest and The Ottawa Jazz Festival, the landmark celebration is sure to be one for the record books!"

Set in an Ottawa radio station circa 1949, War of Two Worlds is a comedy that follows a rag-tag team of voice actors and radio hosts as they attempt to broadcast their own version of The War of the Worlds by Orson Welles and save their radio station. It was written by GCTC Artistic Director Eric Coates and Managing Director Hugh Neilson and features a cast of more than 20 local lawyers, judges and community leaders.

Tickets for the Gala evenings (June 6, 7, and 8) are $110 or $75 for new lawyers and include a post-show reception and a $60 tax receipt. Tickets for the preview performance on June 5 are SOLD OUT. Tickets are available through any cast member or at the GCTC Box Office by calling 613-236-5196 or online at www.gctc.ca.