Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Today, Shelley Marshall is known as a successful actor, writer and comedienne, a Canadian Comedy Awards nominee, and a social media maven. What you may not know is that sixteen years ago, she was on a much different and darker path - Marshall recently acknowledged the twelfth anniversary of her suicide attempt. Her husband, who walked in on her, called for help and managed to hold onto her body and, as fate has its magical way of working, the cord that was wrapped around her neck snapped free. This was the lowest point of her life but one that would later inspire material for her play ‘Hold Mommy’s Cigarette’ which is being presented in a 28-day run (the usual number of days allotted for rehab.) at Shelley’s own loft theatre in Toronto.
Marshall’s family has a long history of mental illness and her life has been marked with many trials and tribulations yet somehow, she has managed to rise above and turn the depths of her sadness into tremendous success.
A native of Hamilton, ON, Marshall brought home the Gold in the category of “Best Theatre Production” for Hold Mommy’s Cigarette at the 2013 Canadian Comedy Awards and was again nominated for "Best One Person Show" for this year's CCAs. She had previously been nominated for CCAs “Best Female Stand Up”. Shelley has also been named “Best New Discovery” by Now Magazine, and has hosted the televised Hamilton Music Awards for the past four years. In light of the national acclaim she has received with Hold Mommy’s Cigarette, Shelley is extremely proud of the play’s contribution to raising mental health awareness.
“I knew creating works of art that expressed my experience, my truth, and my understanding, would bring a joyful purpose to my life” says Marshall, pictured at right. “I feel I not only have an opportunity but an obligation to convey a message that can help people heal.” Shelley Marshall
Oct. 5-11 is Mental Illness Awareness Week
Hold Mommy’s Cigarette has opened doors to colleges, mental health facilities and even coffee shops for Shelley to speak about mental illness and the effect on her real-life story. Backed by repeated sold-out shows, it is clear that Marshall has not only struck a chord but continues to play a tune that keeps people coming back for more. Check out Shelley on stage: https://vimeo.com/102124489
HOLD MOMMY’S CIGARETTE
Oct.1st through 28th @ 8pm each night
The Full Bawdy Loft, 290 Carlaw Ave, Toronto
Tickets: $20 available via phone 416-821-1754 www.HoldMommysCigarette.com or http://bit.ly/1u8HCC9
Photo: Shelley Marshall as Gloria.
2014-09-23
Toronto: Shelley Marshall's "Hold Mommy's Cigarette" plays October 1-28