By Olivia Lester
Shorthanded: A Ladies Game tells the story of eight women who play on a team in the Tri-County Old Timers Women’s Hockey League. The team makes it all the way to the final game of their hockey league’s championship game, only to discover that they are severely shorthanded. Directed, stage managed and starring an all-female cast, this play is a testament to the grit, talent and resilience of women—both on and off the ice.
‘Pads,’ ‘Sparks,’ ‘Fitzy,’ ‘Suds,’ ‘Candy,’ ‘Ender,’ ‘AWOL,’ and ‘Weller,’ are eight longtime friends and hockey teammates. They must find the strength to get through their championship game with only two extra players on the bench. These women truly put the “power” in “girl power” as they battle through physical exhaustion, personal struggles, interpersonal conflicts and a shortage of beer.
Cast of Shorthanded: A Ladies Game. Photo provided.
As the game drags on, tensions run high in the dressing room and the women struggle to remain united. Will they be able to come together to defeat the other team or will the pressure of the championship be too much?
In a statement, director Rachel Worton says, “This play shows the strength of women. It takes an eclectic group of middle-aged women, each of whom is dealing with their own personal battles, and reminds us that no matter where we are in life or what is happening, we can overcome and achieve anything, regardless of the odds.”
Shorthanded: A Ladies Game. Photo provided.
This play is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. The fast-paced bickering and bantering between the players is utterly rib-tickling. At the same time, the love that these women have for each other is sure to pull at anyone’s heartstrings.
The particular performance on April 20 at 2:30 had the director Michael Grant in attendance, which added to the excitement of the atmosphere and highlighted the community effort creating that a powerful narrative takes.
The Phoenix Players will also be running a charitable campaign for The Canadian Cancer Society throughout the duration of this performance. They are a registered charity with the goal of bringing affordable and quality theatre entertainment to various communities in and around the Ottawa area.
Shorthanded: A Ladies Game poster. Photo provided.
Whether you are an avid hockey fan, a lover of comedies, or just someone who wants to see a brilliantly written and directed play, Shorthanded: A Ladies Game has something for everyone.
Shorthanded: A Ladies Game is playing at the Gladstone Theatre from April 19–27 at 7:30pm Tuesday–Saturday, and at 2:30pm Saturday and Sunday. To get your tickets, visit the Gladstone Theatre’s website, or email the box office at boxoffice@thegladstone.ca.
