Masquers’ ‘Radium Girls’ shines light on courage and injustice

MANITOWOC – Miracle cure or death?

In 1926, radium was both. At first lauded as the miracle cure of its time, the wonder product turned deadly for unsuspecting factory workers across America.

Inspired by the true stories of more than 4,000 women, D.W. Gregory's dramatic tale is written with warmth and humor. "Radium Girls" recounts an era no one should ever forget and sheds light on a dark moment in history: a time when injustice took the lives of many innocent women.

Set from 1918 to 1928 (with the main events occurring in the mid-1920s in Orange, New Jersey), the tale focuses on one dial painter, Grace Fryer, and her battle for justice against an unjust corporation.

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Gregory's retelling is "an amazing historical representation of women's rights, fair compensation and workplace safety …" Karter Mueller (Edward Markley) explains. "[I]t's a story of community, and working together to find a resolution, while being ignored and manipulated in the workplace."

And it's a story The Masquers Manitowoc theater group had to tell. Local community and Masquers members are proud to bring this tragic and influential part of history to the Capitol Civic Centre stage.

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A powerful vision at the helm

A story with such a profound mark on history at its heart needs an equally profound visionary at its helm. Emilee E. Carroll is just that visionary.

When asked what drew her to the project, Carroll replies: "The story of 'The Radium Girls' is so powerful and tragic. The moment I first heard about the story, and subsequently, the play, I had such a striking vision of how to create this world. How bright and vibrant it would be in the beginning; how innocent their lives were. To see the change of that right before your eyes — that is what I wanted to bring to life. And this cast is really going to take us there."

Honoring voices that were silenced

The atrocities that Grace Fryer and The Radium Girls suffered because of the United States Radium Corporation's greed and negligence compelled Darrick Bruns (Arthur Roeder) to audition.

"It's important," he says. "It's one of the most important shows The Masquers has done in decades. … I feel a sense of pride that I'm helping to tell an important story of someone who never really got the chance to tell it themselves."

Why this story still matters today

But why do events that took place more than 100 years ago matter today? How can audiences possibly connect? Because it's about real people, real events and real injustices that still happen now.

Grace Fryer suffered tragedy and battled against an unscrupulous employer. She was one of those real people who changed the course of history, and Paige Gilson is honored to take on the pivotal role.

When asked about the show's relatability, Gilson says: "Everybody understands what it's like to deal with (or have a family member deal with) an unethical or unreasonable employer, even if every story isn't as extreme as the plight of The Radium Girls — it's a very easy trouble to relate to."

Exploring the human condition

The human condition is a prominent theme in Gregory's play. Em Schaller (Irene Rudulph) couldn't wait to tackle the dramatic elements of the production.

"Art is one of the best ways to express complex emotions," Schaller says, "and this show specifically taps into real emotions from real people. It's a journey I feel fortunate to be a part of."

It's a story of families and communities. A story of loves and lives lost. A story of bravery and wanting to carve a life — a moment in history — that reminds future generations that these were real people with real lives lost at the hands of greed.

Speaking up against injustice

Everyone wants to provide for their families and contribute to the betterment of society, but people shouldn't have to pay for it with their lives. That is The Radium Girls' story: injustice, tragedy and hope for a better tomorrow if someone is brave enough to stand up and give voice to the voiceless.

If Darcy Gravelle (Reporter Jackie Youngwood) could leave the audience with one thought, it's this: "Speak up against injustice, even when facing giants — your voice can be the one that sparks real change."

A story that changed America

This incredible moment in history shook the very foundations of America as we knew it. One corporation's gross mistreatment of women paved the way for necessary workplace safety regulations, which saved the lives of millions of people today. Real women. Real stories. Real heart.

Grace and all her fellow Radium Girls want their unforgettable story told. The Masquers hopes to give voice to all the women whose voices were ignored — to all the women and workers of today who might still be ignored. Please join them and bring the lost lives of The Radium Girls to life for another night.

If you go to 'Radium Girls' …

• What:The Masquers, Inc. "Radium Girls," 2000, D.W. Gregory

• When:7:30 p.m. March 12 and 13, and 3 p.m. March 14

• Where:Capitol Civic Centre, 913 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc

• Ticket information:Tickets are available at the Capitol Civic Centre box office, online at cccshows.org or by calling 920-683-2184. Tickets are $23 for adults and $15 for students ages 18 years and younger.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: History and heart collide in The Masquers' Radium Girls in Manitowoc