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Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center (CLCPAC) is proud to present Radium Girls, a gripping and powerful drama by D.W. Gregory, running from October 11 to 19, 2024, at the Chalberg Theatre. Under the direction of Travis Chaput, this emotional production brings to life the true story of the women who worked at the U.S. Radium Corporation, exposing the tragic consequences of their work painting luminous watch dials with radioactive radium in the early 20th century.
Set in 1926, Radium Girls explores the true story of the lives of factory workers at the U.S. Radium Corporation in Orange, New Jersey. At a time when radium was lauded as a miracle cure and luminous watches were all the rage, these women suffered devastating health consequences from radiation poisoning. The play focuses on Grace Fryer, a courageous factory worker who fought to hold the corporation accountable while struggling for her own survival. Gregory’s play delves into the commercialization of science and the American obsession with health and wealth, all while highlighting the resilience of those fighting for justice.
D.W. Gregory’s Radium Girls has been one of the most widely produced plays in the United States, praised for its relevance and emotional depth. The New York Times called Gregory “a playwright with a talent to enlighten and provoke,” and her play continues to resonate with modern audiences, as it addresses issues of corporate responsibility and workers’ rights.
Meet the Cast
The talented cast features local performers, including Abi Swenson as Grace Fryer and Noah Barnhart as Roeder, the President of the U.S. Radium Corporation and the conflicted antagonist of the play. Abi Swenson, who dedicates her performance to the memory of her infant son, brings a deep emotional connection to her role. The cast is rounded out by returning and new cast members Ava Branstner, Abby Pratt, Amy Borash, Brady Davison, Lynn Ellison, Levi Trygstad, Joey Haasken, and Andy Ellison.
Meet the Production Team
The production is helmed by Director Travis Chaput, who is no stranger to the CLC stage, having appeared in The Prom, Something Rotten, and Kinky Boots. Isabel Becker, a local student and up and coming designer, crafted the period costumes. Isabell also works backstage during the show along with her father, Mike Becker, and brother Jacob Becker who serves as the Stage Manager. Set Designer Tim Leagjeld, with carpenters Matt Hill, Jacob Becker, and CLC students Henry Hultberg and Hannah Ellstrom, spent the month of September crafting the large set that resembles a giant watch-face. The lighting design is created by Heidi Eckwall. Photography by Sheila Boldt at Pine Haven Photography. Arsen Engles and Rachael Brutscher, frequent CLC performers and crew members, are running the lighting and sound during the show.
This show is sponsored by Lakes Area Dental. Season support comes from Hubbard Radio Brainerd. Radium Girls is also made possible, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Five Wings Arts Council and a Minnesota State Arts Board operating support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Event Details:
- Dates: October 11-19, 2024
- Location: Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College
- Tickets: Available now at the Central Lakes College Box Office or online
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clcperformingarts.com or contact the box office at 218-855-8199.
