Feature: World Premiere of [MISS] by Playwrights' Round Table

Sometimes doing what is right is hard. Being a woman in a man's world is also hard. [MISS} explores the challenges faced by one of the first woman FDA researchers Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey. This play by W.L. Newkirk is a world premiere by Playwrights' Round Table and promises to be one of the most talked about plays of the season.

Based on a true story, [MISS] follows Dr. Kelsey as she reviews a new drug application submitted by the William S. Merrell Company for the world's first safe sleeping pill. Despite the drug having already been approved in 46 countries, Kelsey senses something is wrong and delays approval. The company uses its power to destroy her credibility, yet she continues to fight.

We should always learn for our past and stories like this are increasing in relevance today. Director Charles Dent sees events like these happening again. "The rules that were instituted because of this infamous case are in danger of being weakened by the Trump Administration," he says. "In fact, his pick to head the FDA believes 'the wrong lessons were taken from the thalidomide case', per an article he wrote a few years ago. This is dangerous, because we know what happens when you don't have proper controls and regulations in place -- disasters like this." A scary thought and definitely something to keep watch over.

[MISS] was one of three finalist for plays submitted to Playwrights Round Table. It was selected to be produced because it was "the most powerful, [and] engaging story," said Dent. It puts a spotlight on the challenges that women face in the professional workspace, especially in science.

Part of the reason Dr. Kelsey was accepted into the University of Chicago in the mid 1930s was because they thought she was a male, thus setting off a chain of events leading her to the position that she was in. The plot also clearly shows how much power large private businesses have over public policy. Kelsey proves that one person can make a difference and fact will prevail.

I asked Dent what he was looking for when filling out his cast: "Strong actors who weren't afraid to go to dark places emotionally," he described. "There are some tough, tough scenes in this play, and I wanted people who could handle it. I got them." Nikki Darden Creston takes on the role of Dr. Frances Kelsey.

There are definitely lessons to be learned from [MISS]. When things are wrong, it is all of our responsibility to speak up. "If not for people like Dr. Kelsey and government regulations, things might be far worse for us in this country," Dent said.

[MISS] runs at The Santos Dantin Studio Theater at Orlando Shakespeare Theater from April 21st-23rd and April 28th-30th, 2017 (8 PM Friday and Saturday, 3 PM Sunday). For tickets or more information call 407-761-2683. Presale ticket orders can be made at OrlandoAtPlay.com and for more information about Playwrights' Round Table visit http://www.theprt.com.

Photo Credit: Playwrights' Round Table/ Wayne Sisock

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