“Not a fairy tale, though it starts like one. It’s not a tragedy, though it ends like one,” Catherine Donohue, portrayed by senior Katie Owens, said at the start of “These Shining Lives.”
Starting Valentine’s Day, the Elizabethtown College theater program began its performances of “These Shining Lives.” Performances are being held in the Tempest Theatre until Feb. 23. Melanie Marnich wrote “These Shining Lives” in 2008.
The play is set in the early 1920s to the 1930s. It is based on the true story of four women who worked at a company known as the Radium Dial factory in Ottawa, Ill. Donohue, the main character, narrates her story as a house wife who becomes a working woman. Her husband, Tom, played by senior Mike Wawrzynek, supports her as she takes on the daunting task of heading into the workforce as a woman. The chemistry between these two characters was undeniable. They portrayed the perfect picture of what an ideal couple is through their loving, supportive and caring dialogue.
While on the job, Donohue meets a few characters who become her best friends and support group throughout the duration of the play. She meets Frances, played by sophomore Jade Bartlett, who is the moral backbone of the group. Next there is Charlotte, played by junior Wendy Moulton, who is a tough nut to crack. Her sassy and independent attitude brought her own spark to the stage. Lastly, there is Pearl, played by sophomore Becky Boia, who brought lightheartedness to the show with her humor. The interactions between these women throughout the play made audience members laugh, and at times, speechless due to the nature of the story.
During their time at the Radium Dial factory, the women were exposed to and ingested radium. Donohue, Charlotte, Frances and Pearl all developed ailments, including jaw infections and bone pain, but the local doctor, played by sophomore Nathaniel Marlowe, told the women that all they needed was aspirin, which, of course did not help. After nine years of working at the Radium Dial factory, Donohue decided to sue the company. She pleaded her case several times, and it was appealed six times. Donohue finally won her case on July 6, 1938. She died three weeks later from the fatal effects of radium poisoning.
The acting at the end of the show was so incredibly moving that you could hear a pin drop within the theatre. One of the most moving parts of the closing was when each of the women named the other women from the factory who had died as a result of their work. It made this production feel real. All of the emotions that were brought forth through the dynamic cast allowed the audience to empathize with the characters.
“These Shining Lives” is a play that is worth seeing. The acting, costumes, set and all the other components were wonderful. The costumes for this particular production took the audience back in time. There were 20s-style dresses with patterns and printed fabrics. The set was simple and functional, yet it had the perfect amount of detail for this show. It was obvious that the costumes and the set were mostly plain with the intent of having the audience focus on the story of the characters without being distracted.
The students in the theatre program brought to life the tragic story of Donohue and her friends throughout their personal life journey.
At the conclusion of the production, Associate Professor of Theatre, Director of Theatre and Dance and Director of “These Shining Lives” Michael Swanson announced and extended an invitation to anyone who wanted to meet or speak with the actors and actresses. There was a question and answer session between the audience members and the members of the cast. This open dialogue allowed audience members to learn more about the production as well as all the behind-the-scenes aspects.
If you have not yet had the chance to attend “These Shining Lives,” performances will run again on Feb. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m.
