Mary Tsai exits stage left in An Act of Grace

By Paul O’Donnell

What better way to retire than by taking a bow! GNAG is pleased to present the thriller/comedy An Act of Grace, and among the cast is GNAG’s very own executive director Mary Tsai, who is leaving us this summer. This production is not only guaranteed to be a terrific night of theatre, it is also a very important fundraiser. Like so many other businesses and organizations, the last two years have been very difficult and although GNAG weathered the storm, getting back to full strength will take time. Fundraisers such as this are vitally important to assist GNAG’s rebuilding efforts.

An Act of Grace by playwright John Muggleton, who also happens to be the GNAG’s manager of adult programming, features Ottawa-based professional actors and production team, including Muggleton, who is reprising his role of Tony from the Gladstone Production in 2019.

So how did Mary get involved? During the early stages of planning, director Venetia Lawless and Muggleton approached Mary about appearing in the play because, as you all know, there’s something about Mary. She was hesitant at first, but after much begging, she relented and joined the cast. She has fit in beautifully. Mary’s portrayal of a betrayed wife caught in a web of deceit is outstanding.

The play centres on Grace, who is filthy rich and wafts trouble like expensive perfume. She invites two men – Chuck and Tony – to her home for a mysterious purpose. The trouble starts when Grace makes a diabolical demand, and the three-way verbal cut and thrust gets vicious. An Act of Grace is definitely not for children. This dark comedy/thriller was awarded Best Production, Best Ensemble, The People’s Choice Award and Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting Award at at the Eastern Ontario Theatre Festival in Kingston in 2018. The play has since been produced in Ottawa, Saskatchewan and England, and it is slated to be produced in Vancouver and Toronto in 2023. Muggleton’s other play, Burn, opens at Ottawa Little Theatre on the same night as Grace.

The play will take place on May 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. at the Glebe Community Centre. Tickets can be purchased by visiting gnag.ca and clicking on the button for the play. The tickets are $32, and the evening also includes an after-show party. A perfect time to come out, be entertained and say hello and goodbye to someone who has given so much to the community.

Paul O’Donnell is director of recreation at Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group.