Kate Danson to Lead Strange Sun Theater's THE DROWNING GIRLS

Strange Sun Theater - under the direction of co-Artistic Directors Jessica Bashline and Evan Mueller - will present as its inaugural production the US premiere of the multi-award winning play THE DROWNING GIRLS by Beth Graham, Daniela Vlaskalic & Charlie Tomlinson, with preview performances beginning March 15 prior to an official press opening of March 18 at Walkerspace (46 Walker Street) in Manhattan.

Making her stage debut with Strange Sun Theater's inaugural venture THE DROWNING GIRLS is Kate Danson (daughter of Ted Danson and Casey Danson, step-daughter of Academy Award-winner Mary Steenburgen). Ms. Danson's film and television credits include: "The Dinner Party," Raising the Bar, "Kemper," "Tide Pool," "Cousins."

THE DROWNING GIRLS is based on the true accounts surrounding Edwardian opportunist, George Joseph Smith, and his three wives (Bessie, Alice and Margaret) who all met untimely deaths by drowning in their baths at the hands of their husband. In the play, three ghostly brides emerge, spluttering and gasping, from three bathtubs full of water to gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous, husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths. Through this retelling, they discover how they have been victimized not only by George Joseph Smith, but also by the society at large. Full of rich images, a myriad of characters, a quirky sense of humor and lyrical language, THE DROWNING GIRLS is both breathtaking fantasia and social critique.

THE DROWNING GIRLS premiered at The Edmonton Fringe Festival, with subsequent productions in Alberta and across Canada. The play has been nominated for, and won, several awards including four Elizabeth Sterling Hayes Awards, four Betty Mitchell Awards, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Literary Award for Drama, four SATA Awards, nominated for the Carol Bolt Award for Drama, etc.

Directed by Jessica Bashline (Artistic Director, Strange Sun Theater) and joining Ms. Danson in the cast of THE DROWNING GIRLS are Marissa Porto and Nancy Rodriguez ("Cymbeline" on Broadway).

Production team for THE DROWNING GIRLS is Daryl Embry (set design), Travis Boatwright (costume design), Michelle Tobias (lighting design), with original music composed by Jeff McSpadden.

THE DROWNING GIRLS is Strange Sun Theater's inaugural production.

Scheduled March 15 through March 30 THE DROWNING GIRLS will have a playing schedule of Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30pm, with added 3:00pm matinees on Saturdays March 23 and 30 (with the following exceptions - no performance on Tuesday, March 19, and an added 7:30pm performance on Monday, March 18) at Walkerspace (46 Walker Street). Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by calling 646-801-7143 or online at strangesuntheater.com/tickets.

For more information about THE DROWNING GIRLS or Strange Sun Theater, please visit www.strangesuntheater.com.

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