Now Playing: Radium Girls
The Dean College School of the Arts is now playing its first theatre production of the year, Radium Girls. The show opens TONIGHT and will run through this Sunday, October 20, 2019.
Actors Elizabeth Carsley '21 (Grace Fryer) and Cameron Ward '21 (Edward Markley) answered a few questions about their upcoming Dean College production.
Q. What is your role in the performance? Tell us about your character:
Elizabeth (Grace Fryer): I play the role of Grace Fryer in Radium Girls. Grace is the protagonist of the story – she is a young dial painter who has been poisoned by radium. The play follows her (and her friends) as she fights for her day in court. Grace has a good heart. She can be vulnerable, but she is also very strong and very smart.
Cameron (Edward Markley): My character's name is Edward Markley. He is a defense lawyer for the U.S. Radium Corporation, the company that is defending themselves against the plaintiffs, also known as the Radium Girls. Markley's main point in the show is to be the thorn in the side of Raymond Berry and the lawyer for the Radium Girls. He is a slimy individual but he is only doing what he believes is right for him and his company to win the case.
Q. Can you see yourself in this character? If so, how:
Elizabeth (Grace Fryer): Grace is a very dynamic character – I can definitely see myself in parts of her. Grace is a rule-follower, she’s quiet, she’s a little naïve and she really does have a good heart. She is strong, she is smart and definitely has a temper. I think most people, in one way or another, will be able to see themselves in Grace. For me, the biggest challenge so far has been separating myself from her when rehearsals end.
Cameron (Edward Markley): There are aspects I can see in myself and some that I don't. I can see the professionalism that Markley brings across in his everyday life, dealing with situations that he has researched deeply. I can also see myself doing what I feel is right, regardless of how it looks to other people. What I don't see is the sliminess that this character brings across when he talks to others.
Q. What are you most excited for the audience to see?
Elizabeth (Grace Fryer): I’m most excited for the audience to learn about these girls! Radium Girls is inspired by a true story – and my character Grace Fryer was a real person – and a real hero. The bravery and persistence of these girls has saved and continues to save so many lives – as the United States made some serious amendments to our industrial safety standards. I could not be prouder to tell her story, and I hope I see many of you at the performances!
Cameron (Edward Markley): I am most excited for the audience to feel the impact of the story that we are presenting, as it is based off a real event. I am also excited for the audience to see the technical theatre elements that this production provides. I hope everyone enjoys the show and we will see you at the stage door!
The Dean College production of Radium Girls will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Radium Girls is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing. To learn more, visit the Dean College Box Office.