DANVILLE — Beginning this Friday and running through Sunday, March 22, the Red Mask Players will present Radium Girls by D.W. Gregory.
Radium Girls is a drama based on the true story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory’s radium-based paint. The play highlights Grace Fryer (Sara Henkelman), Irene (Ana Reeves), and Kathryn (Latina Shadley) who paint dials in the U.S. Radium plant and are instructed to finely point their brushes by molding the bristles with their mouths while painting. The factory’s new owner, Arthur Roeder (Nathan Henderson), is excited by radium’s promising future and believes in the company’s potential for growth. Roeder’s mindset is supported by Marie Curie, the internationally famous scientist, who believes radium provides many health benefits and could even cure cancer.
Many of the dial painters begin to notice disturbing health issues. Much to the company’s dismay, Grace Fryer brings the fight for justice to court. The fight for justice went on for years.
Radium Girls fiercely examines the commercialization of science, the pursuit of both health and wealth, and the power of the underdog.
Other cast members are Elijah Reeves, Jim Rogers, Dave Techtow, Mckala Lindsey, Jennifer Youhas, AvaGrace Allsopp, Tamara Switzer, Silas Reeves, and Jenelle Neuffer.
“The cast has put their heart and soul into this production. Audiences will be moved by this powerful drama that will elicit laughter and tears,” says Director Nancy Henderson.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students.
Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
Purchase tickets at redmaskplayers.com or at the door. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended.
For more information, you email the Red Mask Players at redmaskplayersboard@gmail.com.