In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Naples Players (TNP) proudly continues its tradition of showcasing works by acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson — a writer renowned for her powerful portrayals of influential women throughout history. This season, TNP presents The Half-Life of Marie Curie, starring Veronica Ostroski as the iconic scientist and Katie Taylor as her friend and confidante, Hertha Ayrton.

Veronica Ostroski describes herself as a Midwesterner—born in Wichita, Kansas—but her family’s roots trace back to Poland. This connection resonates deeply with her as she takes on the role of Marie Curie in The Half-Life of Marie Curie.

“As a trailblazing woman physicist and chemist, Curie remains important to the country of Poland,” said Ostroski. “Poland was occupied during Curie’s young life, forcing her to study and conduct her scientific research in France. But Poland will always claim her as their own. I love the connection to our Polish heritage.”

A longtime admirer of playwright Lauren Gunderson, Ostroski was instantly drawn to the play’s portrayal of Curie’s journey.

“When I learned this play would be performed at The Naples Players, there was no question that I would audition for the part.”

The Half-Life of Marie Curie is an intimate and emotionally powerful play that tells the true story of two remarkable women: Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie and her friend and fellow scientist Hertha Ayrton. The story unfolds as Curie faces a scandal that threatens to overshadow her career. With Ayrton’s support, Curie finds the strength to continue her groundbreaking research, which ultimately revolutionized science. The play is a celebration of female friendship, resilience, and the power of determination.

This production at The Naples Players even features the leadership of female director, Christine Cirker.  Cirker recently took on the direction of another powerful female story at TNP when she directed By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, a play by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, in 2022.

The production will run from April 2 – 27 in The Price Studio Theatre at The Naples Players, with performances showcasing the powerful bond between these two trailblazing women. Generously sponsored by the Naples Airport Authority, this must-see production invites audiences into a world of history, science, and heartfelt connection. Tickets start at $50 and are available now at www.NaplesPlayers.org or by calling the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.

Show sponsor Naples Airport AuthorityThis is not the first time The Naples Players has highlighted Gunderson’s remarkable storytelling. In 2019, TNP proudly presented Silent Sky, a moving historical drama about 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy laid the foundation for measuring the universe. The production celebrated the vital, yet often overlooked, contributions of women in science.

Additionally, TNP delighted audiences with Gunderson’s Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a charming continuation of Pride and Prejudice that spotlights the often-overlooked middle Bennet sister, Mary Bennet, in a heartwarming holiday tale of independence, love, and self-discovery.

TNP’s commitment to sharing Gunderson’s powerful narratives continues in its upcoming 72nd season, which will feature her celebrated play Ada and the Engine. This compelling drama

tells the story of Ada Lovelace, the 19th-century mathematician credited with writing the first computer algorithm and envisioning the future of computing. As the daughter of famed poet Lord Byron, Ada’s innovative mind helped shape the technological revolution, yet her achievements remained largely unrecognized for years.

“We are proud to continue sharing stories of strong, influential women who have changed the course of history,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO & Executive Artistic Director of The Naples Players. “Lauren Gunderson’s works brilliantly highlight the power and resilience of women — and The Half-Life of Marie Curie is no exception.”

With only two actors, the production is intimate yet emotionally powerful. Does that increase the pressure? “Yes and no,” Ostroski explained. “The show focuses on the deep and supportive relationship between Marie Curie and Hertha Ayrton. Sharing the stage with Katie Taylor (who plays Ayrton) for 90 minutes without intermission creates a special intimacy. The staging emphasizes the closeness between these two friends as they navigate scandal and the challenges women faced in science.”

Ostroski described the play’s Victorian and Edwardian costumes as a powerful tool in building her character. “Even in rehearsal, I wear stays and a corset to help shape the silhouette and posture of the time period. We’re gradually adding the shoes and skirt to complete the experience. Costuming adds so much to how I embody Curie.”

In addition to acting, Ostroski is a seasoned director and teaching artist. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance from Belmont University’s Theatre and Dance Program in Nashville and a Master of Fine Arts in directing from the Actors Studio Drama School in New York.

Ostroski relocated to Naples from New York last year. Her debut at The Naples Players was in the fall production of Almost, Maine. She is now directing the Reader’s Theatre and will serve as stage manager in fall 2025. She also continues to return to New York for contract directing assignments. “I fell in love with performing, and I have a passion for directing. This is what I was meant to do.”

“I am truly excited about the opportunity to play Marie Curie and for people to see the performance,” Ostroski shares. “I hope audiences connect with the relationship between these two women. Perhaps they will recognize similar strength and support in their own friendships.”

Seats are selling fast, but tickets are still available and wait-lists will open the week prior to show dates.