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.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
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.
"Radium Girls" is a touching story about a group of teenage girls at a factory owned by U.S. Radium Corp., painting faces of watches that glowed in the dark. A few years after leaving the factory, the girls acquired a bizarre illness. Suspecting the factory, they struggled with the owners for compensation.
The factory girls had good energy and believable chemistry. Hannah Blechman and Rebecca Phillips, as Kathryn, performed well as factory workers and perfectly conveyed two bickering sisters. Katy Burnard, who played Grace Fryer, gave an energetic and convincing performance. Grace and Kathryn, the two factory girls to live the longest, showed the progression of a deadly illness in ways that went beyond the gruesome makeup.
Liz Venz played several roles, from the woman from the New Jersey Consumer's League who helps the radium girls, to a mother who advertises a radium health drink. Michael Allen as Arthur Roeder and Katie Vallas as his wife, Diane, were a great couple, and their emotional arguments were effectively portrayed.
The curtain never closed for scene changes. There were a number of different settings already positioned on the stage, and with the use of lighting, attention was drawn away from certain areas and toward others. Whenever a large scene change was needed, the blackouts were accompanied by short scenes in the front of the stage.
Despite some difficulty with lines and occasional low energy, Robinson pulled off a very difficult play and received a standing ovation.
Michelle Koob
Osbourn Park
View all comments that have been posted about this article.