THE DROWNING GIRLS Makes for Frightfully Chilling This Halloween

Ghastly. Haunting. Stunning. Three Edwardian-era ghosts rise from the clutches of their clawfoot bathtubs, drenched in water, to tell the haunting story of their murder by one man: George Joseph Smith ... their husband. This is the premise of The Drowning Girls- based on the true-life story of "The Brides of the Bathtub"- the latest play at the Great Canadian Theatre Company written by the trio of Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson, and Daniela Vlaskalic. Director, TACTICS Founder, and GCTC's former Metcalf Foundation Artistic Direction Intern Bronwyn Steinberg leads an all-Ottawa powerhouse cast: Katie Ryerson (Ordinary Days, Generous and Janet Wilson Meets the Queen), Sarah Finn (This is War), and Jacqui du Toit (Hottentot Venus).

The Drowning Girls runs on the GCTC Mainstage from October 23 - November 11.

"This is a ghost story, full of enough macabre humour for any fan of the genre, but it is also a poignant reminder that women's stories are all too often told from beyond the grave" says GCTC Artistic Director Eric Coates. "I have wanted to see this play in Ottawa for several years, and I am eager to see it take flight now at GCTC."

Surfacing from the bathtubs they were drowned in, the three breathless brides gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths. A ghoulish fantasia, The Drowning Girls is also a social critique, full of rich images, a myriad of characters, and spine-tingling chills that evokes a horrifyingly realistic portrait of violence against women.

CAST

Sarah Finn: Bessie
Katie Ryerson: Alice
Jacqui du Toit: Margaret

CREATIVE TEAM

Frank Donato: Assistant Lighting Designer
Seth Gerry: Lighting Designer
Loreen Gibson: Stage Manager
Vanessa Imeson: Costume Designer
Laurie Shannon: Assistant Stage Manager
Brian Smith: Set Designer
Bronwyn Steinberg: Director
Keith Thomas: Original Music and Sound Designer

Performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday -Friday. Saturday performances take place at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Pay-what-you-decide performance on Sunday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m. and a post-performance talkback will take place on the main stage on Thursday, November 1.

The Prologue Series continues to bring exciting discussions and unique experiences to GCTC that take us into the creative process of the plays on our stage.

The latest edition is October 24, free to the public, and will start at 6:45 pm in the GCTC lobby. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of The Drowning Girls with Artistic Director Eric Coates. Availability is limited, so be sure to RSVP on GCTC.ca.

Tickets are on sale now at GCTC's Box Office at 1233 Wellington West at Holland, 613-236-5196 or GCTC.ca. Regular ticket price range: $42 to $58; Rush Tickets$15 for students; $33 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased in person from the GCTC Box Office after noon on the day of performance. Valid student ID required for Student Rush.

Subscriptions are now available for GCTC's 2018-19 season. Prices start at $170 for a 5-Play subscription and $137 for a 4-Play. For more information on the 2018-19 season, visit GCTC.ca or call the GCTC Box Office at 613-236-5196.

From October 23 to December 2, the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) and The Ottawa School of Art (OSA) will present Technology of Gesture, a solo exhibit featuring the works of student Tanis Worme at the Lorraine "Fritzi" Yale Gallery. A vernissage, with an opportunity to meet the artist, will take place Tuesday, October23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. GCTC's partnership with the Ottawa School of Art is supported by Cube Gallery.

GCTC is celebrating its 44th season in 2018-19. We continue to foster, produce and promote excellent theatre that provokes examination of Canadian life and our place in the world. Now in the last year of a 3-year strategic plan, GCTC aims to increase the diversity on it stages, diversify its audiences and deepen their experience. GCTC also continues to embrace artistic risk and to ensure a wide range of theatrical experiences.