On Friday, Nov. 14, The Pascack Players started off their new program with a major success with the production of their fall play, “Radium Girls.”
The group of students took on a large task, restarting the theater program from the ground up after separating from Pascack Valley’s long-standing joint theater program. Taking on a complex and controversial production, the players embodied perseverance and determination. The success of this first fall play marks the beginning of a new era for the Pascack Hills community.
A New Era
Previously involved in a combined program with Pascack Valley Theater due to auditorium renovations, the Pascack Hills players decided to bring their program back as its own entity. Last year, the merger marked the successes of two performances, “When this is Over” and “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” Now, students and staff are excited to be back home.
Students showed immense dedication to reviving the Hills program. Both cast and crew members exceeded expectations, spending long nights preparing for the production.
“I’d like to think that we were able to build on some foundational knowledge that was already there and bring the Pascack Hills Players to the next level in theatrical performance,” said Director Armanda Cerqueira.
The Untold Stories of “Radium Girls”
“Radium Girls” is a play encompassing one of history’s great untold stories about young women. Based on a true story, the play shares the history of a group of dial painter girls in a factory in Orange, New Jersey, who exposed the company’s management for using harmful, radium-intoxicated paint. The women fought bravely against factory management after discovering they were becoming sick from the poisonous substance, which was not publicly known to be dangerous at the time.
The play centers on not accepting the status quo. It illustrates sticking up for your beliefs, exemplified by the main character, Grace Fryer (played by Violett Walsh), who refused a bribe for her silence regarding the factory’s health violations.
Additionally, the play demonstrates that situations like these are not always black and white. While Grace is the protagonist, there is no simple, pinpointed antagonist. The Factory President is not portrayed as a stereotypical villain but as a complex individual facing the consequences of his pursuit of the American Dream gone wrong. Viewers were mesmerized by the complexity and controversy of the historical situation as they watched his realization turn into desperation.
“It’s a very complex story but one that is worth telling,” Cerqueira stated. “It’s so humbling and so rewarding to watch the pictures in my head come to life on stage with actors.”
Independent Student Leadership and Future Plans
Thanks to the dedicated student and parent leadership, as well as faculty support, the organization hopes to continue a legacy of great performances.
Taking initiative in the local community, students have also decided to continue the long-lasting tradition of running the middle school musical. Every year, high school students assist the middle schoolers at Fieldstone Middle School in Montvale, N.J., in putting on a spring production that is entirely student-led. Students are excited to help future generations develop a similar passion.
In the upcoming spring, the players will perform the musical addition of “The Addams Family.” Work for this production will begin in December and continue through March.
