STRONG POISON Opens The 2009-10 Season at The John Hirsch Theatre, 10/22-11/14

Audiences are invited to join Lord Peter Wimsey on his quest for the truth inthe romantic whodunit STRONG POISON , the 2009/10 season opener at the John Hirsch Theatre.

Adapted from the 1931 novel by Dorothy L. Sayers, STRONG POISON was originally produced at Chicago's Lifeline Theatre in 2004, playing to record houses and receiving critical recognition. Since then, Lifeline has developed additional adaptations in the popular Sayers series.

A Canadian premiere, the MTC production of STRONG POISON runs from October 22 to November 14. S TRONG P OISON opens during the trial of Harriet Vane, a mystery novelist accused of murdering her ex-lover. In a case that could be straight out of one of her own books, Vane's proclaimed innocence is believed by no one other than the dashing Lord Peter Wimsey, an amateur sleuth and supporter of feminist ideals.

Will Lord Peter track down the real killer in time and win the heart of the free-thinking Harriet? Or will the evidence be as hard to secure as the hand of a best-selling author? STRONG POISON stars Greg Ellwand as Lord Peter Wimsey, and features Terri Cherniack, Matt Kippen, Miriam Smith, Marina Stephenson Kerr, Gordon Tanner, David Warburton and Stefanie Wiens.

The creative team is led by Director Steven Schipper and features Set and Costume Designer Judith Bowden, Lighting Designer Michael J. Whitfield, Sound Designer John Bent Jr., Movement and StyleCoach James Dodding, Voice, Accent and Dialect Coach Susan Stackhouse, Assistant Director Manish Kaushal, Stage Manager Chris Pearce, Assistant Stage Manager Monika Seiler, and Apprentice Stage Manager Natascha Hainsworth.

Ticket prices for STRONG POISON range from $29.40 to $66.15, including GST. Students with valid highschool ID receive 50% off single ticket adult prices for all performances. For showtimes and ticket info, call the MTC Box Office at 942-6537, toll free at 1-877-446-4500 or visit www.mtc.mb.ca. For artist bios, visit the S TRONG P OISON section of the MTC website