DSCC's latest production based on actual events

The Messenger 11.09.11

The Theatre Department of Dyersburg State Community College will present “These Shining Lives,” by Melanie Marnich, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 nightly.
The play is based on true events involving working women in the 1920s and 1930s and is set in the Radium Dial Factory in Ottawa, Ill.
The factory, which opened after other such plants in New Jersey and Connecticut, painted glow-in-the-dark numerals on the dials of alarm clocks, pocket watches and wrist watches. The workers painted with the poisonous element radium, which early on was actually thought to be medicinal.
“These Shining Lives” introduces the audience to four women who discover the joys of working, independence and camaraderie, until the radioactive paint with which they work causes their health to deteriorate. This leads to battles — not only with illnesses that eventually overtake them, but also with the company itself in court cases. Despite their struggles, triumph, great love, friendship, strength and a passion for living pervade through their stories.
The cast and crew of the production are Amy King of Dyersburg, formerly of Paris, as Catherine Donohue; Brittany Smith of Halls as Frances; Cherie Dean of Newbern as Charlotte; Katye Cherry of Halls as Pearl; Frankie Carroll of Newbern as Tom; Bobby Solmon of Dyersburg as Mr. Reed; Rick Campbell of Dyersburg as Dr. Rowntree and the judge; Shawn Gilbreath of Dyersburg as the company doctor and reporter 1; Richard Dean of Newbern as Dr. Dalitsch; Alex Swayne of Dyersburg as the daughter; Abby Swayne of Dyersburg as the son; Bill Parmenter of Dyersburg as Mr. Grossman; and Jordan McCallen of Dyersburg as reporter 2.
Tickets, available only at the door, are $4 for students, DSCC faculty and staff and senior citizens and $5 for all others. The play will be presented in the First Citizens National Bank Auditorium in the Campus Activities Building on the Dyersburg campus.

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