'The Drowning Girls' continues at Riverfront Playhouse
The Riverfront Playhouse continues its production of "The Drowning Girls" through Nov. 18 at the theater, 11-13 S. Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. The play by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic is performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Bessie, Alice, and Margaret have two things in common: they are all married to George Joseph Smith, and they are all dead. 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.
The play is written by contemporary female playwrights in a style that is largely non-realistic and hauntingly simple, the story is one of tragedy and celebration: part cautionary tale, part courtroom drama, and part love story.
"This is a unique show," says director Tim Curtis. "The script was inspired by the Scotland Yard Case of the notorious murderer, George Joseph Smith and his victims, referred to as 'The Brides in the Bathtub.' It is a loving memorial to three long-forgotten women who died because they trusted the wrong man. In the end, we're left to ask ourselves if it really is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
"The Drowning Girls" features the talents of Heidi Schultz as Bessie, Katrina Syrris as Alice, and Beth Goncher as Margaret. Katrina Ploncznski is the understudy for all roles.
"We know people will have questions about the show, the characters, and the topics within the production," said Curtis, "so we are adding a cast talkback after every Saturday night performance." Talkbacks will last approximately 30 minutes and may include special guests.
"The Drowning Girls" premiered at Alberta Theatre Projects' 2008 PlayRites festival and received the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama and four Betty Awards (Calgary) as well as a nomination for the Carol Bolt Award.
"The Drowning Girls" by Daniela Vlaskalic, Beth Graham, and Charlie Tomlinson is produced by special arrangement with Playwrights Guild of Canada.
Tickets are $17 or $15 for students & seniors.
Additional discounts are available for military, and local police and fire personnel.