Family, faith and the conflict in-between are explored in Joan MacLeod’s Gracie
Family, faith and the conflict in-between are explored in Joan MacLeod’s Gracie
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - OTTAWA April 10, 2018 –Hailed as “one of the most important playwrights working in Canada today”, Siminovitch Prize and Governor General’s Award-winner Joan MacLeod brings her latest work, Gracie, to the Great Canadian Theatre Company. A young girl’s coming-of-age story set within a polygamous community, Gracie exposes the oppression and abuse that exists within the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. Directed by GCTC’s Artistic Director Eric Coates (Ordinary Days and 1979), Gracie marks the GCTC debut of Ottawa-native Erica Anderson. Gracie runs on the GCTC stage from April 24 – May 13.
“Joan MacLeod has written deeply complex characters who pulse with life and humour”
— CBC Radio
The BC Supreme Court has recently ruled against leaders in Bountiful, B.C. which is Canada’s most active FLDS community. These headlines precisely reflect the issues in this popular script. With her deep empathy and compassion, playwright Joan MacLeod takes us into young Gracie’s world, where events transpire that lead her to question her beliefs.
“Reading Gracie was like watching a hidden camera exposé on polygamy. And like any exposé, it made me feel extremely uncomfortable, but I couldn’t stop. It was a great reminder that there are real people at the centre of these stories.” says GCTC’s Artistic Director Eric Coates.
CAST
Erica Anderson: Gracie
CREATIVE TEAM
Keith Thomas: Original Music and Sound Designer
Loreen Gibson: Stage Manager
Laurie Shannon: Apprentice Stage Manager
Roger Schultz: Set, Props, and Costume Designer
Eric Coates: Director
Guillaume Houët: Lighting Designer
OPENING NIGHT FOR REVIEWERS
Thursday, April 26, 2018. Curtain is at 8:00 p.m.
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday. Saturday performances begin at 4:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Pay-what-you-decide performance on Sunday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. and a post-performance talkback will take place on the main stage on Thursday, May 3.
PROLOGUE
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 last one of the season will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Gracie with Director Eric Coates and Set, Costume, and Props Designer Roger Schultz. This event is free to the public and starts at 6:45pm in the GCTC Lobby. Availability is limited, so be sure to RSVP at www.gctc.ca/shows/gracie.
CHEFS & SHOWS
On Tuesday, May 1 Chef Chris Deraiche of The Wellington Gastropub will be lending his talents to create a menu inspired by Gracie. Tickets for this event sold out well in advance.
Chefs & Shows is curated by Michael Moffat and Sheila Whyte.
TICKETS
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
Subscriptions are now available for GCTC’s 2018-19 season. Early bird prices for a 6-Play subscription start at $210 and are in effect until April 30. For more information on the 2018-19 season, visit GCTC.ca or call the GCTC Box Office at 613-236-5196.
THE FRITZI GALLERY
From April 24 to June 3, the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) and The Ottawa School of Art (OSA) will present Arousal, a solo exhibit featuring the works of diploma student Jacqueline Mudie at the Lorraine “Fritzi” Yale Gallery. A vernissage, with an opportunity to meet the artists, will take place Tuesday, April 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. GCTC’s partnership with the Ottawa School of Art is supported by Cube Gallery.
ABOUT GCTC
GCTC is celebrating its 43nd season in 2017–18. We continue to foster, produce and promote excellent theatre that provokes examination of Canadian life and our place in the world. Now in the middle 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.
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For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Andrew Soobrian
Marketing and Communications Manager
Great Canadian Theatre Company
marketing@gctc.ca
613-236-5192 ext. 229