Lee University

LeeU Theatre to Present "Radium Girls"

by Maysie Stewart

Cleveland, TN (10/26/2026) — Lee University Theatre will present "Radium Girls" by D. W. Gregory on Nov. 6-7 and 12-14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center.

The play, directed by Anna Marie Brendel, assistant professor of theatre, follows factory girls who paint radium watches as they begin mysteriously falling ill. Grace Fryer, a dial painter, fights for her day in court against her former employer, Arthur Roeder, who refuses to believe that the same element that is considered the latest medical miracle is causing the sudden rash of illness befalling his employees.

"Lee Theatre is thrilled to bring the story of 'Radium Girls' to life on the Dixon Center stage for Homecoming/Celebration 2026!" said Brendel. "This gripping piece of theatre follows true accounts of the radium dial painters in the early 20th century who fell victim to the then unknown effects of radium element's potency."

This story is based on real people whose lives were irrevocably changed and focuses on the women who fought for justice in a unique time in American history. "Radium Girls" is an ensemble show, incorporating 14 cast members who will portray over 50 different roles.

According to Brendel, the production will include impressive scenic design, engaging special effects, and fast-paced, effective storytelling.

"We hope audiences will not only enjoy our interpretation of 'Radium Girls' but will allow the piece to inspire thought and conversation in favor of a stronger future ahead of us," said Brendel.

The cast includes Micah Creel, Ainsley Donahue, Ava Donahue, Sarah England, Tanner Jennings, Daphne Kidder, Emma Kate Leese, Nolan Mann, Zac Mayer, Carrie Partin, Carolina Riley, Abigail Routien, Jack Rowe, and Emma Wilson.

Production crew will include Autumn Blanton as stage manager, Samantha Saez as assistant stage manager, and Anna Evans as props mistress. Production also includes Vionet Vazquez-Acosta, Carrissa Bordelon, Lesley Bryant, Austin Chapman, Emma Flannagan, Sadie Jennings, Harper Johnson, Anna Luallen, Alayna Smith, and Jaden Stevens.

Tickets are available online through Eventbrite.com or at the Lee Theatre Box Office, Monday-Friday, from 4-6 p.m., and one hour before curtain time.

Lee's Dixon Center is located on the corner of 11th and Church streets.

"Radium Girls" is presented by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.

For more information on Lee Theatre, visit leeuniversity.edu/theatre, call the box office at (423) 614-8360, email theatre@leeuniversity.edu, or follow @LeeUTheatre on Facebook or @lee_theatre on Instagram.

Media Attachments

Radium_Girls.jpg

Carolina Riley portrays Katherine Schaub, a dial painter who becomes a victim of the effects of the luminous radium paint in the LeeU Theatre production of "Radium Girls."

Ainsley

Donahue