The partnership between the two women in this story — both the characters and the actresses telling their story — is remarkable to behold. It’s a pure friendship that recognizes the weaknesses and bad decisions but supports even when it’s not easy. Any woman who has a friendship like that works hard to keep it.
It’s easy to comment first on Leslie O’Carroll’s work as Hertha Ayrton, the lesser known but brilliant scientist who came to Marie Curie’s aid when all others had turned their back on her. Leslie is widely known as one of the best comic actresses in Denver; her timing of a slow take, her fearlessness physically, her deadpan delivery . . . all have added to her reputation in such shows as Blithe Spirt, Midsummer (as Bottom), The One Act Play That Goes Wrong and A Christmas Carol. This role, while giving the opportunity for abundant laughter, demands a gifted dramatic actor as well. Leslie has the chops; she handles both sides of the role with grace and ease.
Prentiss Benjamin is one of those glorious creatures who moves from show to show across the country and manage to come back to Colorado to enliven a production here. She looks remarkably like the character she is playing and brings the private side of Madame Curie to glorious life. She is angry over the way the scientific community is treating her, wistful about being away from her lover, defiant in her defense of her work with radioactive materials (even as they are eating away at her from the inside out), grateful to Hertha for her friendship and counsel, and joyful in the newness of her peaceful life on the coast. Each of these emotions are brought to the forefront with authenticity and humor.
While the set is non-existent, the furniture bare bones, and the props minimal, the production does not feel sparse. The story fills the space; around the edges there is excellent work by lighting supervisor Luke Bettner and sound designer Bob Morsch. For example, there is a scene in which Curie jumps into the ocean and remains underwater for a few minutes. The light patterns on the floor and walls of the theatre space and the sounds of moving underwater directly simulate the effect to the point that Benjamin appears to be floating in midair in the water. Amazing!
Director Shaver found the humor and the serious in the script and encouraged the women to explore their friendship with their characters and each other. They supported each other throughout their lives and helped each other to pass to the other side with grace. Any woman who has a friend as compatible as they did will work hard to keep it.
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