I fondly remember the 2018 award-winning production of These Shining Lives at Riverwalk Theatre’s Black Box, directed by Susan Chmurynsky. So does current director/star Christine Hull who has masterminded another wonderful production of this moving play by Melanie Marnich. It chronicles the true story of “the radium girls” of the 1920s and 30s who found empowerment and camaraderie along with disease and death from exposure to radium from their jobs painting clock dials.
Lighting and costumes were a big part of creating the mood and setting the era. An ominous lit clock with moving hands loomed over green/red mood colors and the black-lit glow in the dark effect was dramatic. Historic news articles and photographs on two large projection screens were a frequent reminder that this is a true story. (I’m told these were gleaned from a website created by the daughter of the attorney who defended the women in court.) The time progression necessitated many costume changes that evolved from 20s to 30s style — kudos to costumer Deb Ramirez and her assistants.
Christine Hall is the triple-threat for this show, not only nailing the challenging role of Catherine Donahue, but also directing the show, and founding this NEW THEATRE which plans to offer future uplifting shows. More info at http://www.facebook.com/TheAliveTheatre
Rebecca Morgan, Mandy Jaster and Lexy Irving play Catherine’s charmingly distinct co-workers, Frances, Charlotte and Pearl. Joshua Price is her devoted/frazzled/bereft husband. Timothy Van Brugen demonstrated a wide acting range playing both the “bad doctor” and the “good doctor” along with the judge. Luke Mason seemed particularly sincere and realistic as the conflicted supervisor Mr. Rufus Reed, the flashy Radio Announcer, and our hero, lawyer Leonard Grossman.
These Shining Lives shines on through February 3 - 7:30 with 2pm Saturday matinees at Grace Bible Church. 1000 S Canal Rd, just south of West St. Joe Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
Tickets $15 at https://masterarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200443939
It is recommended for age 12 and older due to heavy themes.