“Radium Girls” made its Spring-Ford debut on the 10-12 Auditorium Stage on Nov. 3. With months in the making, actors, tech, and stage crew truly showed their hard work. The intense message of this striking piece of history written by D.W.. Gregory, which changed the course of labor regulations, was brought to life through director Kailey Edwards and assistant director Lindsey Smith.
Practices began Sept. 11. From the beginning of production, actors began to learn their roles, while also developing knowledge in the history of this devastating occurrence in the labor industry.
“Radium Girls” is in fact a true story. In 1910, radium took over the world. Individuals believed that radium could cure anything. However, in 1917, the girls working in radium factories began to become sick. In 1922, the source of injuries was questioned as girls began to die. In 1925, the girls working in the radium factory fought back with a lawsuit that changed labor regulations forever.
“The real incident happened almost 100 years ago and is still important, and more relevant than ever,” said actor Ryan McCarraher, a senior who played Mrs. Fryer in the SF production. “Corporate greed, women’s suffrage, social justice, etc. It’s so unfortunate how little known this massively influential historical moment is. I couldn’t be more honored to be in a cast, acting as vessels to tell a tragic, yet very real story.”
During the month of October, practices began to gain intensity. Actors began to embody their characters fully and the play began to come to life.
When Friday, Nov. 3 came along, the excitement truly hit. Actors began to realize the extraordinarily important story they were going to portray to the audience.
Opening night saw a fantastic audience, among the largest in years for the fall play.
Both the Saturday matinee and night show had a decent crowd as well, either way, the actors put on their best performances to entertain the audience while also informing them of an important piece of history.
“I loved that my performance was teaching and education,” said actor Lila Weingarten, who played Mrs. Roeder & Madame Curie. “I was able to be apart and tell a story that really impacted so many individuals,”
Actors were sad to say goodbye to the show after embodying their characters for such an extended period of time. Yet, the story will live on in their hearts.
“Radium Girls” was an experience for both audience and actors. This performance was impactful to both the actors who took on a hearty role, as well as to anyone who received the opportunity to watch the show.
