Monday, December 19, 2011

Story Pirates Bring Marie Curie to Life at Geffen Playhouse

CC with Zoe Jarman (as Marie Curie in "Brilliance!")
at the Geffen Playhouse.
Who knew that the life of a famous female scientist could be turned into a clever, kid-friendly musical that brings out the laughs in children as well as adults?

That's exactly what the acting troupe Story Pirates did with their play "Brilliance!" at the Geffen Playhouse. CC and I caught the final show a week ago Saturday and had a wonderful time learning about two-time Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie and her radioactive discoveries.

Set to music from a single keyboard, the play told a pared-down version of Curie's life and the challenges of being a brilliant woman in the company of men. Played for humor and silliness -- with a large dose of fun audience interaction -- Curie's efforts in the scientific world took center stage.

It was great listening to the audience boo the grumpy old men of the Academy of Sciences, which ultimately refused Curie's membership into its established community.

CC and I also had fun watching musical numbers -- complete with feather boas -- about Curie's life and love of science.


After the show, which lasted about an hour, we headed into the lobby and picked up a complimentary snack and drink for CC. She also had the opportunity to meet the cast and take pictures.

I was chatting with Zoe Jarman (pictured at top), who starred as Marie Curie. We were both chatting about how important it is for girls to be encouraged in the math and sciences. And then it occurred to me that CC might not even register that it's ever been a challenge for girls or women to be accepted into any field.

Which made me happy to think just how far we've come.

Stay tuned for more performances from Story Pirates at the Geffen. With their Create-a-Show program, the next one set for Feb. 5, they encourage little ones to actually write the script, which they then perform.

Saturday mornings (check website)
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-208-5454

[Note: Media tickets provided]
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3 comments:

  1. JetSki accident lawyersDecember 20, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    Someone is goinf to be a great balerina

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 27, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    It was really awesome, wasn't it! We enjoyed the show so much and are still saying "Definitely not!" like the members of the Academy. Thanks again for the tickets! -chanscom

    ReplyDelete
  3. L.A. StoryDecember 29, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    We had such a great time! And I love the "Definitely Not!" especially behind those insane beards. :)

    ReplyDelete