Lights dim. Audience members settle down. Actors take their places on stage. There is pin drop silence. Then, finally, lights-camera-action.
HHS Theatre’s most recent production—“Radium Girls”—was performed in the Hillsborough High School auditorium on November 15 and November 16 by the theatre cast and crew to share the heartbreaking, true story of factory girls who suffered radium poisoning from painting clock dials.
“Radium Girls” is based on the lives of girls living in NJ during the years of 1918-1928 working in factories producing military clocks. The girls were told to use their lips to shape the brushes that apply toxic, radium based paint. The main character, Grace Fryer (played by Julia Sauers) first watches the effects overtake the lives of her friends before gradually experiencing them herself. While Grace and other factory workers visibly and painfully began to battle bone fractures, necrosis, and other symptoms the company denies all responsibility. However, the architects behind the radium industry soon learn to never underestimate the power of a determined voice.
From the minute the lights first began to dim to the moment they re-lit and the crowd erupted in applause, the entire audience was captivated by the plot, and more importantly, the performance of “Radium Girls” (excluding the short intermission). The entire play was conducted flawlessly around a single platform, used as the set design, and two-four tables, eight black chairs, and other small items, used as props. For more than two hours the entire ensemble worked together to immerse everyone in attendance into the significance of the themes portrayed through this story. Every detail from the dialogue to the costume design and even the lightning design—that perfectly illuminated not only the characters but also their emotions and actions—worked to amplify the play’s fourth wall. It truly felt as though the auditorium often became a place in which two time periods were co-existing.
A special mention is necessary for leading actors, Julia Sauers and Brandon Javier, who played Grace Fryers and Arthur Roeder. Both impeccably communicated their roles and immersed the entire audience into their characters. Especially in the scenes in which they portrayed strong and prominent emotions, with notable assistance of the sound and light design, they kept the crowd at the edge of their seats with the anticipation of the play’s upcoming events.
To many a “happy ending” would have been ideal, but it is important to note that this story is more of an emotional appeal. Those unwilling to be seen shedding a couple tears during the play’s final acts, might want to bring a blanket, hoodie, or friend to hide among. The director excellently used a true and heartbreaking story to remind its viewers of the dangers of corporate deceit and manipulation.
As someone who has never seen an HHS theatre production in the past, it is safe to say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. Even parents in the audience, who have probably attended dozens of plays in the past, were beyond impressed with “Radium Girls.” When Alison Whitman, an attendee, was asked what she thought of this play overall she said, “It was excellent. They are all very talented.” Another attendee Aleezah Khan said, “It was very entertaining. There were some parts that were scary and intense, but, overall, it was very good.”
If after reading this you’re upset that you missed out on “Radium Girls,” which was the new director Christian Confalone’s first production, make sure to stay vigilant for when tickets go on sale for HHS Theatre’s Winter Musical, “Pippin.”
