These Shining Lives at The Stagecrafters Theater

Four young women find friendship and solidarity at a well-paying rural Illinois factory job with the Radium Dial Company in the 1920s. Years later, as they realize that their health has been compromised by the work, they unite and support each other while exposing the truth.

Based on four of the real women who did piecework at the Radium Dial Company in the 1920s and 1930s, Melanie Marnich’s moving drama, “These Shining Lives,” reveals the novelty of unskilled women’s work during the era, as well as the lack of government oversight and corporate concern for their health and wellbeing. The drama follows Catherine Donohue, Charlotte Purcell, Frances O’Connell and Pearl Payne at their work painting fine, small luminescent numbers on clock and watch faces using radium.

The firm tells them that exposure to radium is “medicinal,” as products have come on the market touting it as a miracle cure for any number of ailments. But as the women experience health concerns, each seeks answers, first from the company doctor, later from a doctor in Chicago, distant enough from the firm and brave enough to tell them the truth, and finally from a lawyer willing to waive his fee to fight for their right to their health.

Opening night event September 18: performance from 6:30 to 7 by Rare Spirits; they serve up high-proof Roots music with verve, humor and aplomb. Sweet harmonies, rollicking rhythms and an electrifying stage presence all combine.

Panel discussion after September 20 matinee: featuring labor attorney Michelle Devitt of Willig, Williams & Davidson, and other experts.

About The Stagecrafters Theater:

Founded in 1929, The Stagecrafters is a non-profit, theatrical production company which has been serving Philadelphia and its surrounding areas for nearly 100 years. They exemplify a high level of professionalism and commitment to excellence in the art and craft of live performance. The Stagecrafters currently stages five theatrical productions annually, encompassing a range of styles, from classic to contemporary – choosing plays that are theatrically exciting, challenging, and ideologically relevant.

About the Director Jane Toczek:

Jane has been active on and off stage at The Stagecrafters for over 25 years, having directed ten productions, as well as acting, costuming, production managing, operating sound, and currently General Manager for The Production Committee, Front of House, Marketing, and Board of Directors (past Director at Large, Public Relations and Development).

Performance Schedule:

The Stagecrafters Theater

8130 Germantown Ave, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia PA 19118

Friday and Saturday, September 18-19 @ 7:30pm (musical performance before opening night)

Sunday, September 20 @ 2pm (with a panel discussion to follow the performance)

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 24-26 @ 7:30pm

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 1-3 @ 7:30pm

Sunday, October 4 @ 2pm

Ticket Information:

At door: $30

Online: $26

Thursday only: $20 (online) $25 (at door)

Senior at door: $25

Students/Industry: $15

Tickets available at thestagecrafters.org/production/these-shining-lives/

Phone: 215.247.9913 to reserve

Credits:

Directed by Jane Toczek

Starring: Greta Groothuis, Rakael Audrey, Haley De Luna, Lee Tomanelli, Michael Eddy Harvey and Daniel Crozier

Calendar Listing:

Four young women meet and forge a bond while working a well-paying job in 1920s rural Illinois, for the Radium Dial Company. Years later, as they realize that the work has compromised their health, they bravely choose to hold the firm accountable.