STAGED READINGS 2021

These Shining Lives

Written by Melanie Marnich

Directed by MaryEllen Fawk

These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich follows the compelling stories of the “Radium Girls,” young women in the 1920’s and ‘30’s who painted the faces of luminous watches and clocks with radioactive paint. Set in Chicago and Ottawa, IL, home of the Radium Dial Company, the play deals with the true story of Catherine Donohue, who begins working at the factory with the excitement of a newly liberated woman entering the workforce in 1922. It then follows her life through her cancer diagnosis and the litigation she pursued against Radium Dial into the late 1930’s. This transcendent story interweaves aspects of labor law, social and women’s history, and the personal details of the “Radium Girls’” lives.

Cast List

Catherine Donohue played by Liz Yerkovich

Charlotte Purcell played by Regina Gadotti

Frances O'Connell played by Jeanie Markionni

Pearl Payne played by Linda Hart

Tom Donohue played by Geoff Purvis

Mr Reed played by Andy Leahy

Dr Rowntree, Company Doctor, Judge  - played by Jeff Ashlock

Dr Dalitsch, Radio Announcer   - played by Ken Hawkley

Leonard Grossman played by Nick Markionni

Daughter  played by Isabelle Markionni

Reporter 1 played by Brett Casey

DATE: Video performances will be available April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and May 2 at 2:00 pm
WHERE: BookTix - More details on front page

COST: FREE

PLAY READING SERIES

Since 2011, The Drama Group has offered script-in-hand readings of a variety of plays, expanding the scope of our offerings to Patrons, Subscribers and Members alike.  Offered free-of-charge as true community out-reach, the series has brought to the stage titles we haven't been able to fit into our subscription season.  The wide variety of plays featured have come from World Literature, popular American Drama, New Plays under development and Classics of Readers Theatre.  Building these evenings on a shoestring with minimal rehearsal and production value allows us to focus in on the story.

We're always encouraging new participants and fresh ideas for this program.  If you have interest in directing or participating as an actor, please contact the Reading Series Curator, MaryEllen Fawk.