A Note from the Assistant Director:
Now, at the close of 2021, as we wrestle with the effects of a massive health crisis, it seems like an important time to tackle the themes of Radium Girls, including the harm that these crises cause the afflicted individuals, their families, and our society at large. These are weighty topics for anyone, and our group of young actors and tech crew have worked hard these past couple months to bring this story to vibrant life. Along the way, we have all grown as participants in this drama - we have learned about the struggle between corporate interests, personal lives and public outcries, and we have learned how different personalities will react in the face of horrible no-win situations. Everyone involved in this production has put forth commendable effort to present a meaningful look back at the people who lived and died amidst these events.
Special thanks to Angela Smithhisler for her broad vision and the way she communicates it so thoughtfully to the students, Kate Stadter for her high personal standards and the way she conducts herself as a creative leader, and the dedicated cast and crew of Radium Girls for their openness to new ideas and their ability to bring this massive project to the stage. Congratulations on all your efforts to make this such a powerful show!
A Note from the Director:
Ah, how good it feels to be back with the whole group! Last fall, we were in the midst of a virtual semester, and chose to do a virtual fall play called Help Desk. Although it was a fun experience, it was laborious and had a multitude of learning curves thrown at us over the course of dropped Google Meets, lagging internet signals, and video editing nightmares. And then, last spring, when we were allowed back onstage, things were still not quite the same. We had to wear masks while singing, and we had such a small cast to keep the numbers down. So, to be here, now, together on stage with a sizeable cast and crew, feels good. And this year, we have plenty of new faces, both on stage and behind the scenes. Building our program with new additions is so satisfying, and I'm happy to welcome new students into the D-wing!
A few weeks ago, Dan Lake, the assistant director, asked me why? Why Radium Girls? Why do this show now? And it took me a few seconds to respond. I've wanted to do this show for a few years now, after having read the book by Kate Moore. To me, the tale is stunning and unforgettable, but also disheartening and unfortunate. But it happened. For so long, society has forgotten or skipped over the dark parts of our history, choosing to move past or ignore that which makes us uncomfortable to learn about. And so, maybe the reason I felt Radium Girls needed to be brought to Linganore's stage is because it was time. Time to tell the story of those brave girls who fought back for justice, even when it appeared they'd lose (both in court and in life). Because history isn't just all rainbows and unicorns and bright spots. History is gritty and raw, good parts and bad. And as the old adage goes, if we choose to ignore history, we are doomed to repeat it. Hopefully, nothing like what happened to those girls will ever occur again, as their story is told for all to see.
This production wouldn't be possible without many amazing people involved. Thank you so much to the wisdom and guidance of my assistant director, Dan Lake. You're a "senior" now in your fourth year of doing this gig and we haven't driven you crazy...yet. Thanks for being a supportive and uplifting member of this team. To my stage manager Kate Stadter, words cannot fully express how proud I am of your work in this production. You have stepped up to the plate and literally hit this one out of the park. Your steady and organized hand as stage manager has been a guiding light, and I am so thankful for everything you've contributed. To my amazing actors, thank you for taking this project so seriously and for bringing these characters to life. To all the parents who have helped in this process, including but not limited to: Amanda Berry, Sarah Field, Adina Hersch, Tara Plyler, Carmella Stadter, and so many others -- Thank you for volunteering your time and your patience to helping with this production! Mike Miller, thank you once again for your amazing talents as a photographer. And thank you for being a huge advocate for the arts in this community! Thank you to Kim Hirschmann, Cindy Hanlon, and all the Linganore administrators for your support of the arts and this program. Thank YOU, the audience, for supporting live theatre and for supporting Linganore Drama. And to my husband, Justin, you know I would be lost without you. Thank you for letting me lean on you when I was stressed, tired, downtrodden, or anxious. I am thankful that you are my partner in this thing called life. <3
