Gina Lindsey, Maria Murphy, and Chastity Wardell star in Paul Zindel’s award-winning drama The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, presented by Essex Theatre Company at the Masonic Lodge in Essex, NY (next to the ferry dock) on August 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7 pm and August 15 at 5 pm. Also featured are Diana Lawrence and Barbara Madsen.

Gina Lindsey portrays Beatrice Hunsdorfer, who supports herself and her two daughters by taking in a decrepit old border, wreaks a petty vengeance on everybody around her. Her daughters, Ruth, played by Chastity Wardell, and Tillie, played by Maria Murphy, work to survive in a hostile environment. Ruth has already suffered a mental breakdown and is subject to convulsions, while Tillie, plain and almost pathologically shy, has an intuitive gift for science, and encouraged by her teacher, undertakes a gamma ray experiment with marigolds that wins a prize at her high school— that also brings on the play’s shattering climax.

This production is made possible, in part, by the Essex County Arts Council’s Cultural Assistance Program Grant with funding provided by Essex County, the Charles R. Wood Foundation, and Stewart’s Shops. All tickets are $12 and may be purchased online at www.essextheatre.org or at the door. For further information email info@essextheatre.org. Fully vaccinated patrons are not required to wear a mask; the unvaccinated must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.