Lauren Gunderson’s historical drama illuminates the indomitable power of friendship between two extraordinary scientists
(Lanesboro, Minn.) The Commonweal Theatre Company launches its 37th season with Lauren Gunderson’s exploration of history, science, and friendship in The Half-Life of Marie Curie. Previews begin on April 5, opening night is April 12, and the production runs until July 5.
Single tickets and season passes are available at www.CommonwealTheatre.org or by calling the box office (800) 657-7025. All performances are at the Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave N., in downtown Lanesboro, MN.
In the play, chemist and physicist Marie Curie is about to accept a second Nobel prize for her pioneering work in radioactivity when a public scandal forces her to seek refuge. She retreats to the seaside home of engineer and suffragist Hertha Ayrton. There, the two friends explore what it means to be mothers, wives, scientists and thought leaders in a changing world on the verge of war.
“A lot of people recognize [Curie] as the scientist who discovered radium and polonium,” says director and company member Jaclyn June Johnson. “But they may not know that she was this incredible war hero. You get to see more of her legacy beyond the height of her name and the real human experiences she went through and fought through to be a person and living life on a public stage.”
Playwright Lauren Gunderson blends sharp humor, crackling dialogue, and deep empathy to examine big ideas on an intimate scale. Previously, the Commonweal has produced Lauren Gunderson’s play about 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt Silent Sky (2018) and last season’s holiday charmer Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (co-written with Margot Melcon). Since 2015, Gunderson has been one of the most prolific and oft-produced playwrights in the country, topping the list three times including the 2022/23 theatre season. Many of her plays examine the lives of women in the sciences.
“I think science is incredibly stage-worthy. It’s riveting. It’s emotional. It’s intellectually thrilling. So I always go back to it,” said Gunderson in an interview for Science Friday. “Scientists are people. They’re not just brains. They are bodies and hearts. And it is not what we expect of this certain scientist—of Marie Curie. And I found that to be a really thrilling alchemy to put onstage: rich emotion, high stakes, and you know, it becomes a story about this incredible, unstoppable friendship that defines both of these women and, frankly, changes the world as well as saved their own lives.”
The production features Commonweal ensemble members Laurie Roberts (playing Curie) and Stela Burdt (playing Ayrton). Roberts joined the Commonweal in 2022, and her most recent roles have been Jess (Ugly Lies the Bone) and Chris (Rumors). She also serves as the apprentice advisor and is a development associate with a focus on grant writing for the company. Stela Burdt has been a company member since 2001, and this year marks her 25th season with the Commonweal. She currently serves as the Director of Administration. Recent on-stage roles include Kacie (Ugly Lies the Bone), Liz (Women in Jeopardy!), along with music direction (Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley and A Christmas Carol).
“I’m blown away by these women every day in the rehearsal room,” says director Jaclyn June Johnson. “Both the women they are portraying and the women performing.” Johnson has been a Commonweal company member since 2020 where she directs, acts, and serves as the Director of Production.
The creative team for The Half-Life of Marie Curie also includes the following Commonweal company members Hal Cropp (dialects), Sara Hueser (props design), Isabella Anastasia Leigh (rehearsal stage manager) Synth Manuel (intimacy and sound design), and Alex Schlesinger (projections design and rehearsal/performance stage manager). The production also features returning guest designers Paul Epton (lighting) and Kimberly K. Murphy (costumes). Making his Commonweal debut as scenic designer is Twin Cities-based artist Greg Vanselow.
For more information about the 2025 season, visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org. To check availability and to reserve tickets, contact the box office at (800) 657-7025. This production contains strong language and adult themes.
ABOUT THE COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY
Since 1989, the professional artists of the Commonweal have brought to life soulful stories told with honesty and creativity. Located in the heart of southeast Minnesota’s bluff country, Lanesboro (pop. 720) is home to the company’s theatre in its historic downtown. Under the leadership of producing artistic director Hal Cropp, the company boasts a distinctive organizational model with resident ensemble members (who have come from all over the country to make their home in the area) fulfilling the day-to-day artistic and operational needs of the company as artist/administrators.
For more information, visit www.commonwealtheatre.org.
Photo by Peterson Creative Photography and Design
