SHIRLEY DOUGLAS HOSTS A SOLD OUT PRODUCTION OF EVE ENSLER’S AWARD-WINNING PLAY, VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Toronto - February 21, 2006

For one night only Rachel McAdams, Judith Thompson and Melissa Auf Der Maur will join a cast of over 30 diverse local and celebrity women to perform in Eve Ensler’s award-winning play The Vagina Monologues. The exclusive engagement will take place on February 25, 2006, 8pm at the St. Lawrence Centre for Performing Arts Jane Mallett Theatre. This Toronto production is part of the V-Day Worldwide Campaign working to end violence against women and girls.

The celebrity cast of this year’s production includes Hollywood Breakthrough actress Rachel McAdams, best known for her role in TheNotebook and Wedding Crashers. V-Day Toronto also features the talented Barbara Scheuler, Sonja Elen Kisa and Enza "Supermodel" Anderson. Notably accomplished Canadian playwright Judith Thompson will also perform. She was recently named to the Order of Canada, as a musician, A&R exec and former Bass player for Rock bands Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins.  Melissa Auf Der Maur extends an eclectic spark to the celebrity line up of performers whom all share hometown roots to the city.

The charitable event includes an ensemble cast of talented actors and local celebrities in support of the Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, a haven for abused women and children in the city. Ninety per cent of the proceeds from the show will go to the shelter. The remaining proceeds go to the V-Day 2006 Global Spotlight recipient, Japanese Comfort Women,supporting women used as sex slaves during WWII.

Page 28 is the Vagina Warrior (highest level) hair and make-up sponsor for the event. This agency represents top styling and beauty professionals including make-up and hairstylists, photographers and wardrobe stylists. Their website is www.page28.com.  
 
The night will include an exclusive Gala Event for VIV (Very Important Vagina) patrons and VIV friends. The Gala will feature a silent auction of local and celebrity donated items, catered hors d'oeuvres from celebrated Toronto chefs and live instrumental music.
 
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. It is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. The event generates broader attention for the fight to stop worldwide violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation(FGM) and sexual slavery. 
 
The Vagina Monologues features performances about real women and their testament of a sexual experience. It was written by playwright Eve Ensler, who received an Obie-Award in 2001.

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Available for interviews, Shirley Douglas and select cast
  
Toronto V-Day - Vagina Monologues
Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 8pm.
Gala event 6:30pm
St. Lawrence Centre, Jane Mallett Theatre
27 Front Street East,
Toronto, ON M5E 1B4 
 

For media inquiries please contact:

Kevin Pennant
kp@pennantmediagroup.com