Thursday, October 23, 2025

Muskegon Community College’s Center for Theater is proud to present These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich, a powerful and poignant production that brings to life the true story of four courageous women fighting for their health, their rights, and their voices in 1920s America. Performances will take place November 6–9, 2025, at the Overbrook Theater.

These Shining Lives tells the story of women employed at the Radium Dial Company, a watch factory in Ottawa, Illinois, where they were unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels of radium. Their fight for justice, health, and dignity became a landmark moment in labor history and women’s rights. The play is both a historical drama and a deeply moving portrait of friendship, strength, and sacrifice.

“This production honors and celebrates the resilience of these women in such a powerful way,” said Les Rorick, Director of MCC’s Center for Theater. “These Shining Lives is heartbreakingly beautiful in its storytelling and imagery, and even though the events took place a century ago, the lessons about courage, corporate accountability, and justice are still incredibly relevant today.”

Attendees of the production will also have the opportunity to record their personal stories about MCC’s impact and importance in the community. The “100 Years, 100 Voices” project will gather reflections from 100 participants. The recording session will begin one hour prior to showtime on Thursday, November 6 and Friday, November 7.

In addition to the video project, guests are encouraged to participate in the MCC History Roadshow, 30-minutes prior to each performance. Modeled after the popular PBS program Antiques Roadshow, the public is invited to bring in MCC memorabilia.

• What: ‘These Shining Lives,’ a play by Melanie Marnich
• Where: MCC’s Overbrook Theater, 221 S. Quarterline Rd.
• When: November 6-8, 7:30 PM; November 9, 3:00 PM
• Bonus Events:
        o 100 Voices, November 6-7, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
        o MCC History Road Show, November 6-8, 7-7:30PM; November 9, 2:30PM

For more information contact: Les Rorick, Director, MCC Center For Theater. Les.Rorick@Muskegoncc.edu.

Muskegon Community College will celebrate its 100th anniversary on June 20, 2026. Since its founding a century ago, MCC has been a cornerstone of the Lakeshore, shaping generations of students, strengthening the local workforce, and enriching the cultural and economic vitality of West Michigan. The yearlong celebration and events aim to highlight 100 years of excellence at MCC, while looking forward to the next century of preparing students, building communities, and improving lives. For a complete list of centennial events, or to learn more, visit https://www.muskegoncc.edu/about/centennial/.