Radium Girls Shine a Light on Justice at For The Whim Productions

by Mike McKeon

Being one of two men in my department sets the stage for some teasing quite easily. This past week the teasing by my coworkers was about how men heedlessly create problems that eventually fall in the laps of the women in our lives for a solution. Most of the time this teasing is just for fun with no feelings hurt, and that day was just the same.  Nonetheless, as the expression goes, “Many a true word is spoken in jest” so I did not discount the point they were trying to make. I was unaware, though, how quickly and clearly their point would ring true for me this weekend.  This past Saturday I had the privilege of visiting The Ashley McCormick Theater in Bridgeton, New Jersey to view For The Whim’s Production of “Radium Girls” directed by Beverly Beardsley and Assistant Director Ariel Johnson. This play is based on true events that took place over 100 years ago and is very relevant still today. 

As I walked into the theatre to find my seat, I noticed the stage seemed rather empty. However, I quickly discovered the cast was using the same few tables and chairs to set multiple different locations. This was made successful by a little help from everyone involved during scene changes. I must give credit to Set Designers Beverly Beardsley, Rachael Smith, & Joe Dugan and Set Builders Tim Pianka, Joe Dugan, & Tom Kiessling for using maximum imagination with limited resources. This was also true for the Properties Designers and Coordinators Rachael Smith, Melissa Kane, Lazzuli Ritteler (and Stage Manager) & Tom Kiessling who used minimal props to convey what was happening during each scene and that subtle touch was perfect for this show.  One example was when characters took turns updating the audience on the status of the story, they folded down the large newspaper in front of them to speak quickly. The newspapers were a simple but perfect prop choice.

Before I continue, it is important to understand that almost every member of the cast played multiple characters throughout the production. Many costume changes occurred to clarify these character changes and Costume Designer Becky Stewart did an amazing job. Not only by having the costumes period appropriate but also using consistent styles for each character to make clear which we are watching each time. The show begins by introducing us to three Dial Painters joking around with each other at the U.S. Radium Corporation. Grace (Brinah Iglesias) is pulled into a prank by Irene (Angela Robb) and her friend Katherine (Chelsey Shindler). Schindler, playing Katherine, Society Woman, & Harriet, brings her role to life the most while playing Katherine as she pleads with Grace to let her submit one more grievance with the department of labor when all other options seem useless.  Iglesias originally portrayed her character as the well mannered, do as you are told, young girl trying to be successful in her job to help support her family.  It was inspirational to watch her transform into the determined and courageous woman who realizes that she must continue to fight for something much larger than herself.  During a later monologue where Grace is addressing her Mother (Silvia Darpino), Iglesias' use of raw emotion on stage made the audience strongly feel how unfairly her youth and future are being torn away through no fault of her own. 

The next people we meet are the Plant Manager, Arthur Roeder (John Krug), Dr. Von Sochocky (Jim Ludovici) and Supervisor Mrs. MacNeil (Silvia Darpino).  Krug plays a no nonsense Manager/Salesman determined to drive forward the company’s success.  However, by the end of the play you find yourself almost feeling bad for Roeder, as Krug does a great job displaying that he never forgot about the fate of the Dial Painters, and he was forced to live with that guilt regardless what form of “Justice” was served.  Ludovich played several roles, flawlessly jumping between German and American accents, including Markley, Dr. Von Sochocky, Flinn, and Dr. Drinker. I think his interpretation of Dr. Von Sochocky was my favorite, specifically when he meets with Roeder to explain how wrong everyone was about the use of Radium. He delivers the news as a wise man fully aware of his fate and unafraid of the truth as he warns Roeder who unknowingly may face the same fate.  

As we follow Grace more closely, we are introduced to her mother, Mrs. Fryer (Silvia Darpino) and her fiancé Tom (Paul “Cheever” Ranck) both of whom also played multiple roles. Darpino’s roles included Mrs. Fryer, Mrs. MacNeil, & “Sob Sister” reporter, while Ranck’s roles consisted of Tom, Reporter, Dr. Knef, & Venison Salesman.  Of the multiple roles they played, I was highly entertained by Ranck and Darpino while they played off of each other as dueling reporters, fighting each other for the most up to date “story,” as they funnel information to the audience to keep the plot moving forward.  Grace also brings us to meet a woman very much ahead of her time, Miss Wiley (Angela Robb). Robb also shows her talent by playing Irene and Mrs. Michaels, but she absolutely shines as Wiley. Wiley is meant to be the tough, progressive Director of New Jersey’s Consumer’s League and the inspiration the Dial Painters desperately need on their side.  Robb tells the ladies what needs to be done to attempt to get justice and does not hide the fact that it will not be easy. Wiley is often accompanied in scenes with Berry (Rachael Smith) who also played Martland, Store Owner, & Elderly Widow. Gabby Frasca also played supporting roles including Shopgirl, Clerk, and Photographer, alongside Robb and Smith. Smith and Robb do well portraying how tirelessly Berry and Wiley must work to support the Dial Painters. 

Another technique I really enjoyed in this production was the way multiple members of the cast were on stage at once taking turns reading from either a newspaper or written letters giving new information to move the story along. Spotlights would highlight the next speaker one by one as they read aloud their portion of the story. This was accomplished by Light Designer John Krug and Sound Designer Kirk Longhofer. Joe Dugan playing Lee, Bailey, Lovesick Cowboy, Male Shopper, and Court Judge was also a big part of this process. Remembering the lines for these multiple roles had to be difficult enough, but Dugan was also able to make each character’s energy so distinct that there was no question which role he was playing each time he was on stage. 

Earlier in the show we are brought more up to speed with the era we are confronting as Marie Curie (Melissa Kiessling) answers questions from reporters about the miracles of Radium. Kiessling, who also played Mrs. Roeder was great in both of these roles, but she manifested such a powerful presence and unwavering confidence in her role as the famous Marie Curie. I felt this was perfectly contrasted by her role as the loyal wife to Mr. Roeder which again shows the societal challenges presented by gender between the 1920’s and today.  Throughout this whole production we witness the countless obstacles these women faced attempting to solve a problem that undoubtedly was created heedlessly by men. Yet, these women never stopped searching for justice to help everyone, not only themselves. So the next time you find yourself in the presence of a strong woman in your life, thank her. You may not know it yet, but she is fighting for you. Please get your tickets to this incredible story beautifully told by For the Whim Productions: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ftw-presents-radium-girls-tickets-1273765078639?aff=oddtdtcreator