Sourced from the press release from the Curtis Theater and begins and ends with ‘A’ Productions

Brea, California, June 13-22 – The Curtis Theatre and Begins and Ends with ‘A’ Productions are proud to present “These Shining Lives,” written by Melanie Marnich and directed by Amanda Hallman.

Based on the true story of the Radium Girls in the 1920s, “These Shining Lives” exposes the courage and tenacity of women who were considered expendable in their time. This meaningful story illuminates the lives, loves, and friendships of the women who refused to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits or endanger the lives of those who would come after them.

“These Shining Lives” is a timely reminder to value humanity over industry, life over profit, and the welfare of our society and planet over corporate greed. This production will be a stunning and thoughtful telling of the story of these oft-forgotten women and their families that honors their sacrifice, and celebrates their humor, humanity, and resilience.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to tell the story of these women, a story that unfortunately remains all too timely. Their lives were deemed to be worth less than the dollars the watch companies were raking in. Against all odds these women fought, not for themselves, but for those who would come after them, and I hope we never forget them,” says Director Amanda Hallman, co-founder of Begins and Ends with ‘A’ Productions. “These were strong young women beginning to live full lives, and I love that the play has so many moments of humor, joy, and love. We’ve assembled an incredible cast that makes these moments shine.”

“These Shining Lives” is yet another partnership between the Curtis Theatre and Begins and Ends with ‘A’ Productions. Previous partnerships include their award-winning productions of Lauren Gunderson’s “The Revolutionists” and “Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight.”

The production runs June 13^th through June 22^nd with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday showtimes: Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 3:00pm (June 21 only), 8:00pm, Sunday 3:00pm.

Tickets: Adults $36, Seniors $32, Medical/Military/1^st Responders $32, Students $28.

The Curtis Theatre is conveniently located in downtown Brea and offers an intimate setting with 199 seats and an expansive stage; “There really isn’t a bad seat in the house.” Free Parking. 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821.

For more information and tickets: www.curtistheatre.com or call the box office at 714-990-7722.

For press contact, email BeginsandEndswithA@gmail.com.

About the Director:

Amanda Hallman is a director, educator, producer, and theatrical intimacy professional. An Orange County, CA native, she earned an AA from Fullerton College, a BA from UC San Diego, both in Theatre with an emphasis on Acting and Directing, and an MFA in Performance Pedagogy from Loyola Marymount University. She is co-founder of Begins and Ends with ‘A’ Productions, a female-driven Theatrical Production Company.

About the Writer:

Melanie Marnich is an American television writer-producer and playwright. Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Marnich attended the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism. After graduation, she worked as an award-winning copywriter in Minneapolis and then Cincinnati. She left her advertising career to attend the University of California, San Diego, where she earned her M.F.A. in Playwriting. She currently resides in Los Angeles.

About Begins and Ends with ‘A” Productions:

Founded in 2022 by Aja Bell and Amanda Hallman, Begins and Ends with ‘A’ Productions creates theatre that tells meaningful stories of feminism, art, equity, and humanity.