Winokur to direct THE RADIUM GIRLS musical readings featuring Orfeh, Karl, and more

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 10/24/23 at 11:16am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Marissa-Jaret-Winokur-Will-Direct-Industry-Reading-of-THE-RADIUM-GIRLS-Starring-Andy-Karl-Orfeh-and-More-20231024

Two invite-only industry readings will be held for The Radium Girls: A Jaw-Dropping New Musical on October 30th, 2023 at 11:30am and 3:30pm. The readings are directed by Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur and will be held at New 42 Studios.

The cast includes Olivier Award winner and three-time Tony nominee Andy Karl (Groundhog Day, Rocky); Tony and Grammy nominee Orfeh (Pretty Woman, Legally Blonde); Ashley Argota Torres (“All American,” “The Fosters” Nick Martinez (Moulin Rouge); Barry Anderson (Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde); Rob Bartlett (Little Shop of Horrors); Rachel Webb (& Juliet); Francesca Ferrari (A Night with Janis Joplin); Monica Tulia Ramirez (Suffs); Desi Dennis-Dylan (“Perfect Harmony” Cara Rose DiPietro (Catch Me If You Can at Arena Stage); Katie Emerson (How the Grinch Stole Christmas); Katie Horner (The Sound of Music at Papermill Playhouse); Lana McKissack (“Snake Oil” Cole Ragsdale (Fat Kid Rules the World); Alexis Reda; Alexis Semevolos-Velazquez (On Your Feet); Molly Stilliens (Beauty and the Beast at The MUNY). 

“I am beyond excited to direct Radium Girls: A Jaw-Dropping Musical! This incredible cast that we put together only speaks for how amazing this new musical is," Winokur told BroadwayWorld. "I would take stock out in Amanda D'Archangelis, Sami Horneff and Lisa Mongillo! The score and book reminded me why theater is my first true love! It's my favorite kind of comedy, it's dark and smart! I am just so humbled they trusted me and my assistant director Chadd McMillan to spear head this presentation! I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I love seeing Orfeh and Andy Karl in the rehearsal room, we have circled each other's orbits for years, but this is the first production we've done together. I'm just so grateful for this time in my life."

The show features music by Amanda D’Archangelis, lyrics by Sami Horneff and Lisa Mongillo, and a book by D’Archangelis, Horneff, and Mongillo. The readings will feature arrangements by Jonathan Bauerfeld and music direction by Justin P. Cowan. Chadd McMillan will assistant direct. 

The Radium Girls: A Jaw-Dropping New Musical is a female-driven, horror-infused dark comedy inspired by the stories and spirits of the young women who worked the factory line at the U.S. Radium Corporation in the early 20th Century. This gravely funny and implausibly tragic tale follows three girls who are lured to the factory with the promise of a better life, discover the evil lurking under the glittering surface of the radium craze, and ultimately give the patriarchy a taste of its own poison - like, literally. 

The October 30th readings are co-presented by David Treatman Creative and High Octave Productions. The team also includes Stage Manager Christine Viega and Assistant Stage Manager Elizabeth Goodman. General Management is provided by David Treatman Creative. 

Updated On: 10/24/23 at 11:16 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/24/23 at 9:59pm

Radium Girls... The COMEDY?????? 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 10/25/23 at 4:43pm

The full title seems a little insensitive to me, and while dark comedies have worked to address social issues in the past, I really don't know if I can see how this would approach the material.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 10/25/23 at 6:31pm

Maybe it's great. I definitely think you can make a swell work of art out of almost anything but I agree that this seems insensitive if the title is any indication. There was a really fragile but beautiful musical on the same subject matter produced here in Chicago. It's too bad that's not continuing. 

[Hey, Zelda!]

Posted: 10/25/23 at 7:31pm

KJisgroovy said: "There was a really fragile but beautiful musical on the same subject matter produced here in Chicago. It's too bad that's not continuing."

There have been multiple radium girl incidents, looks like. Shining Lives, the musical you mentioned, was about the girls from Ottawa, IL (and I also loved that one). Who knows if this musical is about a specific set or about them all.

 

Updated On: 10/25/23 at 07:31 PM

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 10/25/23 at 8:11pm

"Who knows if this musical is about a specific set or about them all."

It's about the US Radium Corporation which was in New Jersey. The events are nearly identical, tho the New Jersey incident is more famous and got much more press at the time. 

People can write a musical about whatever they want and it certainly seems like they've taken a different path. Still. Seems odd to retread. 

[sppunk]

Posted: 10/25/23 at 10:53pm

Saw a well-written play about this at of all paces Millersville University in 2018 or 2019 that was exceptionally well done (needed a bit of editing but meh). I’m highly intrigued.