Charles City High School drama department announces cast for spring play, ‘Radium Girls’

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It’s not quite the new year but the Charles City High School Drama Department is already preparing for its next big show.

“Radium Girls” is coming this spring, with a cast of 22 drama students — most of them playing multiple roles — and supported by 10 crew members.

Set in the 1920s, “Radium Girls” tells the true story of Grace Fryer and her legal struggle to link radiation exposure to her illness and the illness of her fellow factory workers.

“The fall musical, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ gave the kids a chance to work on their comedic timing,” said director Michelle Grob.

“The directors wanted to give this talented group of students the chance to work on their dramatic skills. This historical drama will provide them with an excellent chance to tell a moving story,” she said.

The play will feature Harper McInroy as Grace Fryer; Sophia Jensen as Kathryn; Teagan Prigge as Irene and Miss Wiley; Savannah Baldus as Sob Sister; Sydney Hinz as Mrs. Fryer and Adult Harriet; Kaity Heckers as Mrs. Roder and Madam Curie; Elise White as MacNei and Mrs. Michaels; Jasmine Troge as Young Harriet and Extra Dial Painter; Gracie Opp as Clerk and Extra Dial Painter; Kayla Streich as Board #1 and Extra Dial Painter; Ali Blickenderfer as Board #2 and Photographer; Destiny Squier as Board #3 and Crowd Member; Isabella Knecht as Society Woman and Elderly Woman; Alexia Clark as Shop Girl and Extra Dial Painter; Annabel McDonald as Customer and Extra Dial Painter; Anders Hauglund as Mr. Roeder; Jacob Jones as Markley, Von Sochocky, Store Owner, Shopper, and Martland; DaShawn Griffin as Lee, Bailey, Finn, and Court; Blake Hoeft as Tom and Lovesick Cowboy; Andrew White as Reporter and Dr. Cecil Drinker; and Jacob Diers as Berry and Dr. Knef.

Behind the scenes the cast will be sported by Stage Manager Hannah Devore, Training Stage Manager Addison Tracey, Assistant Stage Manager Kirah Vickerman, Prop Master Jadince Schuttler, with Katie Prichard training on lights, Mikyla Sellers on training lights, Zadie Pittman on sound, Jenna Aikey training on sound, and a stage crew of Natalie Keyes and Blake Dean.

Practices for the spring play start in mid-January with a planned showtime on March 31 at 7 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m. Grob said they are still deciding on a venue for the production.