Emotional Performance Highlights A Grim Tale

Throughout the school year, Fairfax Extra publishes occasional reviews of high school shows written by student critics under the guidance of faculty mentors as part of the Critics and Awards Program, also known as Cappies. Now in its seventh season, the program recognizes the achievements of young performers, writers, directors and stage crews. For information, visit www.cappies.com.

Factory worker Hannah Berner, above left, and Grace (Rebecca Phillips) lick brushes as they paint watch dials in Robinson High School's production of "Radium Girls," a play about girls working in a radium factory in the 1920s. At a different performance, Kathryn (Phillips), below from left, Tom Kreiden (Seph Normandy) and Grace (Katy Burnard) are sick with cancer. (Photos By Joel Richardson -- The Washington Post)

Time is running out in Robinson Secondary School's production of "Radium Girls." A dark tale of radium poisoning, certain death and a battle for justice, this chilling production was complete with emotional turmoil and glowing, fluorescent paint.

"Radium Girls," a play by D.W. Gregory, is based on the true story of girls working for U.S. Radium Corp. in the 1920s, painting numbers onto watch dials with a radium-zinc compound. To keep the brush tips sharp, they twirled them on their tongues, ingesting the radium. The girls began to suffer severe toothaches and eventually died. The play follows Grace Fryer and her fight for justice through her ever-declining health.

Katy Burnard, as Grace, gave the highlight performance of the show. Her stage presence, energy and commitment to her role were wonderful. From Grace's chemistry with her friends and family to her desperate need for an end to the turmoil, Burnard's portrayal was poignant. Michael Allen as Arthur Roeder, the head of U.S. Radium, had a certain solidity of character, an effective counterpoint to Burnard's desperation.

The supporting cast was strong and included Katie Vallas, as Diane Roeder, who conveyed a plausible marital relationship with a refreshing strength of character. As Kathryn, Rebecca Phillips stood out as a strong, guiding force for Grace. As Mrs. Fryer, Katie Jenkins was very believable, and her emotional journey was effective and touching.

On the technical side, the layered set by Nicole Brzozwski brought to mind the interior of a clock, and the clean-cut lighting by Jenkins brought the play to life. While several light transitions were abrupt, the lighting during the dream sequence was excellent. "Radium Girls" calls for period sound (Mimi Lynch) and costumes (Kelley Rowan), which were highly effective. Trevor Stafford-Walter's stage crew worked efficiently and with occasional flourish.

"Radium Girls" is a very difficult play, and Robinson gracefully rose to the challenge, with a finely tuned production.

Katie Goldberg

Washington International

"Is there no end to what science can do?" Nancy Jane Harlan, a female reporter, asks in Robinson Secondary School's production of "Radium Girls." This haunting play is based on the true story in which science hasn't just helped cure diseases but has also spread new ones, torn apart successful businesses, devastated families and destroyed love.