These Shining Lives
Written by Melanie Marnich
Produced by special arrangement by Dramatists Play Service.
October 17, 18, 19, 2024
“These Shining Lives” chronicles the true story of women working at the Radium Dial Company in the 1920s. Lured by good wages, these women painted watch dials with luminous, radium-based paint, unaware of the devastating health consequences. As they fall ill, the play follows their fight for justice against a corporation that values profit over the lives of its employees, bravely illuminating a dark chapter in American labor history and exploring themes of corporate negligence, female resilience, and the enduring need for workers’ rights.
Cast and Crew
Director: Christine Hall
CATHERINE DONOHUE – Christine Hall
PEARL – Lexy Irving
CHARLOTTE, REPORTER 1 – Mandy Jaster
FRANCES, REPORTER 2 – Kayla Mason
TOM DONOHUE – Josh Price
MR. REED, LEONARD GROSSMAN, RADIO ANNOUNCER – Luke Mason
DR. DALITSCH, COMPANY DOC, JUDGE – Jon Wilson
SON – EZRA MILLER
Daughter – CAMILLA CERCHIA
Why Should I See These Shining Lives?
I have a love/hate relationship with historical pieces. I love the stories behind historical events. But with some of the harsher details, I would rather be left in the dark.
These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich is a play based on the true story of four women who worked at the Radium Dial Company in Illinois, during the 1920s and 1930s. The play highlights the dangers these women faced while painting watch dials with radium, a substance that was falsely claimed to be harmless and even beneficial to health.
This is a show you should not miss.
Would I bring children? This is an emotionally packed play with some corrupt officials, angry workers, deceptive doctors, and the harsh reality of cancer. Parents be ready for some questions from younger children. And maybe some good discussions from teens. Warning: There are also two swear words.
Master Arts is proud to support Christine Hall and her theater, Alive. They produced this play last January in Lansing. They are bringing the cast to Grand Rapids so we have a chance to see this wonderful performance.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Catherine, who is the central character of this story, is faced with a giant task. “Do I stay quiet and let them poison thousands of people, or do I stand up, lose everything, and face corruption?” Catherine may have lost almost everything, but her actions have saved thousands of lives, changed governmental policies, and gave us a hero to look up to.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)