Synopsis

"Radium Girls" is based on a true story about women in the 1920s who stood up and fought for justice.

In 1926, radium was considered a miracle cure, Madame Curie was an international celebrity, and light-up radium watches were 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 watch 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.

Written with warmth and humor, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece with more than 30 parts (originally played by 9 actors). The roles include Grace's friends, co-workers, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, consumer advocates, and myriad interested bystanders. Called a "powerful" and "engrossing" drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

FUN FACT: "Radium Girls" was the 10th most produced non-musical play at US high schools in 2017-18.