The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce its production of These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich, directed by Laura Jackson. It opens Friday, September 16, at 8:00 PM and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM through October 2. There will also be a $5 preview on Thursday, September 15 at 8pm (cash-only at the door).
These Shining Lives chronicles the true story of four women who worked at the Radium Dial Company in 1920s Illinois. Catherine, a wife and mother of two, is hired for what seems like a dream job: decent wages, newfound independence, and bonding with her female coworkers. The job is to paint the numbers on watch dials using a glow-in-the-dark radium compound. The women begin to glow themselves, but the company assures them the radium poses no health risks and is even beneficial. When they develop serious ailments, they are denied a proper diagnosis and are eventually fired. With the support of each other, they find the strength to fight all the way to court, refusing to be expendable, and paving the way for the safer working conditions we all enjoy today. Their story is joyful, funny, empowering and very moving.
Purchase your tickets using a credit card or PayPal today: Tickets are $15 for the general public with a discount for seniors, students, veterans and active military and may be purchased below. A limited number of tickets are also available at the door thirty minutes before showtime.
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