Radium Girls presented by Bandon Playhouse

Bandon Playhouse is excited to present “Radium Girls,” a play by D.W. Gregory, at the Sprague Community Theater, as the first offering in its 2024 season. “Radium Girls” will be presented on Feb. 23, 24 and 25 and March 1, 2 and 3. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are 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.

Seating is general admission and tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students 18 and younger. Saturday, Feb. 24, is Pay What You Can. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. Find ticket links on the Bandon Playhouse website at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door.

Written with warmth and humor, “Radium Girls” is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece for more than 30 parts—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.

Directed by Stephanie Jones, “Radium Girls” represents local actors of all ages from 10 to 75, including Meara Stadelman, Tyler Eickhoff, Corrie Gant, Glenn Rogie, Dean Yurica, Karis Weiland, Lindi Robertson, Susanne Murphy, Jen Marcotte, Amy Moss Strong, Merle Morrigan, Sharon Troxell, Frances McGuire, Bruce Brickman, Rob Jones, Shane Brown, Robin Miller, Alex Haywood and Audry Smith.

“I like plays that make you think, that make you question, that make you ponder,” said director Jones. “For me this is ‘Radium Girls.’”

Find ticket links and more information at BandonPlayhouse.org or call 541-290-9989.