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Central Park Players Announces Cast

Area theatre-goers will be well familiar with cast members chosen for Central Park Players’ production of "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds." All five women have worked both on and off stage in productions throughout the area.

Ruth Allen Bethke plays Beatrice, the eccentric, unpredictable mother, with Katie McCool as Tillie, the younger daughter and science student. Ruth, the older daughter, is played by Colleen Murphy. Ashlae Belisle plays Janice Vickery, Tillie’s know-it-all competitor in the science fair, and Christy Oliver plays Nanny, the elderly woman Beatrice cares for.

Paul Zindel’s play, which won the 1971 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, tells the story of bitter Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Tillie. The extroverted Ruth is in danger of becoming like her mother. Quiet Tillie immerses herself in school and science, and ultimately illustrates the strength and resiliency of the human spirit that is at the play’s heart. Tillie’s science project, which explores the effects of radiation on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, gives the play its title and its hope.

Infused with pathos, drama, and unexpected humor, the play is as current as today’s headlines as it explores such issues as family dynamics and bullying.

"The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" is directed by Trudi Kerkstra with Andrew Kitchka as assistant director/stage manager and Barb DeVries as producer.

Performances are scheduled March 2-4 and 8-10 at Lakeshore Middle School, 900 Cutler, Grand Haven.