Region 7 students to stage ‘Radium Girls’

WINSTED — “Radium Girls,” a play written by D.W. Gregory, will be presented by Northwestern Regional 7’s Theatre Program in the Les Ober Theatre at the high school, 100 Battistoni Drive in Winsted. The production is directed by Keith Winegar. Performances are Nov. 16-17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage — until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.

Inspired by a true story, “Radium Girls” traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees.

As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire.

Admission is general seating, and tickets can be purchased at the door the dates of the performances. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $5 for senior citizens on the Sunday, Nov. 18 performance.

Cast members include Molly Stanton as Grace, Ben Black as Roeder, Elijah Lovejoy as Tom, Shauna Llamas as Markley, William Lovejoy as Lee, Emily Russell as Sob Sister, Makayla Balducci as Miss Wiley, Alyssa Borelli as Kathryn, Alexa Carroll as Von Sochocky, Maddie Giaconia as Mrs. Roeder, Heaven Diaz as Mrs. Fryer, and Zach Geiger as Knef. Also Ben Clarke as Berry, Max Langer as Reporter, Amanda Geiger as Flinn, Hannah Kronengold as Irene, Maya Clark as Macneil, Ayiana Hanson as Madam Curie, Danielle Ray as Society Woman, Mya Clark as Clerk, Arie Stawicki as Court, Ayiana Hanson as Drinker, Danielle Ray as Board Member #1, Hannah Kronengold as Board Member #2, and Ayiana Hanson as Board Member #3. Also, Hannah Kronengold as Mrs. Michaels, Alexa Carroll as Harriet, Amanda Geiger as Martland, Corrine Ferrari as Lovesick Cowboy, Zach Geiger as Venecine Salesman, Arie Stawicki as Elderly Widow, Corrine Ferrari as Male Shopper, Ayiana Hanson as Customer, Jayson Patel as Store Owner, Danielle Ray as Shopgirl, Arie Stawicki as Photographer, and Corinne Ferrari as Bailey.