For immediate release: June 15, 2011

Sandra Shamas is at her wit's end, but her show must go on...

WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE
Starring, Written and Produced by Sandra Shamas
NAC Theatre April 10 – 14, 2012

Sandra Shamas returns to the NAC for the first time since 2004 with her new show, WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE and 2011-12 NAC English Theatre Season Subscribers are being given front-of-the line opportunity!

Starting June 15, 2011-12 NAC English Theatre season subscribers can be the first to purchase tickets to this special limited engagement presentation, April 10 – 14, 2012, in the NAC Theatre. Only 2011-12 NAC English Theatre Season Subscribers will have this privilege before tickets go on sale to the general public September 6^th. WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE plays for five performances only – so subscribers should act fast!

One of Canada’s most celebrated comic artists, Sandra Shamas came into her own as a performer, writer and producer in the mid 1980s with My Boyfriend's Back and There's Gonna Be Laundry. From its very first performance at the Edmonton Fringe, the show was a smash success, eventually touring the country and even playing the legendary Old Vic Theatre in London, England (the first Canadian show to have that distinction in the theatre’s long history). Two more Laundry plays followed, each playing to sold-out houses across Canada; the trilogy was eventually published and shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award and the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. Sandra won a Gemini Award in 1991 for Best Performance in Comedy, and won the Best Theatre Award at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in March 2003.

After some time away from the spotlight, Sandra returned to performing with Wit’s End, a show that chronicled her move to country living. The play toured to major theatres across the country and played to sold-out performances at the NAC. It was followed by Wit’s End II: Heart’s Desire, which enjoyed similar success.

WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE continues Sandra’s story. She is still on the farm, still dealing with everything life throws at her. From exploring changes in her body as she ages, to dealing with the delicate negotiations of purchasing the perfect little red tractor, Sandra never loses sight of the importance of honesty, humour and love. WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE had a hugely successful run at Toronto’s Winter Garden Theatre earlier this year.

Here is a sampling of the critical response to WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE:

“A CANADIAN TREASURE! Satiric, touching, insightful, self-empowering, self-skewering and consistently funny! Shamas repeatedly hit the nail on the head! The capacity crowd’s reaction: unstinting laughter and applause. There’s no better mark of A FINE EVENING OF COMEDY.” – John Terauds, Toronto Star

“UPROARIOUS! GENIUS! Shamas is beautiful, sweet, charming, wistful and, of course, funny!” – Dave McGinn, Globe and Mail

“LAUGHS THAT COME STRAIGHT FROM THE BELLY! The cutting edge of Shamas’ wit remains undiminished, its razor sharpness is more often than not soothed by the emollient of deepened affection and a sense of peace, both within herself and for the world around her. DON’T MISS THIS!” – John Coulbourn, Toronto Sun

“MENOPAUSE HAS NEVER BEEN SO FUN! Shamas is very funny…very skilled verbally and visually…remarkable…friendly…a natural and accomplished chatter-upper!” – Robert Cushman, National Post

“SUPERB! Shamas’ powers of description, her physicality and her affectionate impersonations are as vivid and funny as ever. WE LOVE HER!” – Glenn Sumi, NOW

WIT’S END III: LOVE LIFE
Starring, Written and Produced by Sandra Shamas

Tickets $25 to $88
Current 2011-12 NAC English Theatre Season Subscribers will receive a password to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public September 6^th.
New 11-12 NAC English Theatre Season Subscribers will receive a password to purchase tickets at the time of subscription purchase.

This is a limited engagement and subscriber seating is not guaranteed for this special presentation.
Tickets are available for purchase:
In person at the NAC Box Office
At all Ticketmaster outlets
By telephone from Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787
Online through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s website (www.nac-cna.ca).
A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

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For more information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick
Communications Officer
National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389 or Cell 613-899-9737
sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca