The biographical drama, directed by Upper School Arts Department Chair Rusty Wilson, ties in with an Upper School summer read of a book about the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize -- one in conjunction with her husband for their radiation research and a second for her discovery of radium and polonium. Wilson describes the plot as a “scientific soap opera” with tangled, complicated love relationships.

Upper School faculty members in the mix include John Winn as the Curies’ mathematician friend Emile, Andy Smith as both a French journalist and Swedish man, and J.D. Jump '05 overseeing set design and lights. Alum John Moon ’74 plays Pierre Curie. Lynn West, Ampersand’s costume designer, is involved while the StC science department will provide props.

Following a compressed two-week rehearsal schedule where players show up with lines memorized, the play will premiere Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Dogtown Dance Theatre in Manchester, followed by two school performances for Upper School boys Feb. 25.

Professional actors from the Richmond community include Jenn Meharg as the insatiably curious and passionate Marie, Landon Nagel as physicist Paul Langevin (Marie’s lover after her husband’s death), Amy Sproul as Paul’s abusive, crazed wife Jeanne, and Grace Sammons as Margarite (Emile’s wife.) Matt Polson will handle video and sound, and Jocelyn Thompson is the equity stage manager.

Alda’s play debuted at the Geffen playhouse in Los Angeles in 2012.

Tickets are free. Reservations preferred: CLICK HERE.