Pull-Tight Players Presents These Shining Lives in February
These Shining Lives opens February 6, 2026, in Franklin, Tennessee
Pull-Tight Players announces its upcoming production of These Shining Lives, opening February 6 and running through February 21, 2026, at the Pull-Tight Players Theatre in Franklin. Directed by Bre Hall, this powerful and poignant drama tells the true story of the women of the Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Illinois—workers whose courage and resilience helped bring about lasting reforms in workplace safety.
Written by Melanie Marnich, These Shining Lives follows Catherine Donohue and her friends Charlotte, Frances, and Pearl as they take jobs in the 1920s and 1930s painting watch dials with luminous radium paint. What begins as an exciting opportunity for independence and steady income soon becomes a fight for survival and justice as the women discover the devastating health consequences of their work. The play balances humor, humanity, and heartbreak while celebrating friendship and the determination of women who refused to be silenced.
Under Hall’s direction, the cast brings these historical figures to life with empathy, authenticity, and emotional depth. During the rehearsal process, the production gained a unique and meaningful connection to the real events behind the play. The cast and crew had the opportunity to speak directly with Len Grossman, son of Leonard Grossman—the attorney who represented the Ottawa women in their landmark legal case against Radium Dial. Grossman shared personal stories and documents detailing his father’s commitment to the case, the legal challenges involved, and the extraordinary bravery of the women whose fight helped change labor and safety laws nationwide. This firsthand perspective deepened the cast and crew’s understanding of the real people behind the story and strengthened the production’s sense of purpose.
Hall explained her approach to the play, stating:
“This production will honor the heart and intention of the script, embracing the structure and rhythm that Melanie Marnich created. As she describes, ‘it is at times choral, at times docudrama, at times simply a play. Delivered with spirit, energy, and verve.’ The play moves with a kind of musicality—fluid and resonant. To me, it feels like a love song to these women.”
Pull-Tight Players is honored to bring this timely and moving production to the Franklin community. The organization extends special thanks to the family of Jayne Swafford Davis, the season sponsor, whose generosity helps make productions like These Shining Lives possible.
Tickets go on sale Monday, January 26, at 10:00 a.m. For tickets and additional information, visit www.pull-tight.com
About Pull-Tight Players
Pull-Tight Players is a long-standing community theatre organization dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging works that inspire connection, reflection, and conversation. Located in the heart of Franklin, Pull-Tight proudly showcases local talent both onstage and behind the scenes.
