McKendree University Students to Perform These Shining Lives Feb. 29 – March 3
(LEBANON, Ill., February 19, 2024) – McKendree University students will be performing These Shining Lives, a play based on the true story of the women who painted watch faces for the Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Ill., in the 1920s. The curtain will rise for four performances from Thursday, Feb. 29 through Sunday, March 3 at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on campus. The Thursday performance, which will begin at 10 a.m., is part of the university’s Arts Education series and is suitable for all ages. The Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s matinee is slated for 2:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are priced at $5, and reservations are recommended. Admission is free for McKendree students, faculty and staff. Please contact the Hett box office at (618) 537-6863 to reserve seats or purchase them online at www.thehett.com.
Written by Melanie Marnich, These Shining Lives chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Their employer assured these women that the radium they were using was completely safe, even after many of them developed serious health issues. Their successful lawsuit became a cornerstone in the fight for workers’ safety standards nationwide.
Cast members include: Madison Rohn of O’Fallon, Ill., as Catherine Donohue; Marin Jalinsky of Collinsville, Ill., as Charlotte Purcell; Denaysha Jackson of Springfield, Ill., as Pearl Payne; Jolie Wagner of Centralia, Ill., as Frances O’Connell; Vinny Meyer of Granite City, Ill., as Tom Donohue; Sean Harper of Metamora, Ill., as Rufus Reed; Felicity Crowell of Freeburg, Ill., as Dr. Rowntree and Reporter 2; Caleb Marriott of Mascoutah, Ill., as Dr. Dalitsch and the radio announcer; David Justice of Vandalia, Ill., as the company doctor and judge; Faith Stone of Breese, Ill., as the daughter; Amari Bilbo of Scott Air Force Base as the son; Myles McGee of Belleville, Ill., as Leonard Grossman; and Haylie Bland of Aviston, Ill., as Reporter 1. The roles of additional women will be played by Anna Leitner of Glen Carbon, Ill.; Sonia Halabi of South Barrington, Ill.; Gabi Cuba of Collinsville, Ill.; Cheyenne Pride of Flora, Ill.; and Elana Melzer of O’Fallon, Ill. With Mia Wylie of Maryville, Ill., serving as stage manager, the crew includes Alex Brandenburg of Belleville, Ill.; Hunter Peterson of Stillman Valley, Ill.; Marriott; Cuba; Halabi; and Jeremy Kinealy of St. Louis, Mo.
The Hett opens for general admission seating 30 minutes prior to each performance. For more information, please contact Michelle Magnussen at (618) 537-6586. To purchase tickets, please visit www.thehett.com.
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