Immortal Story of Hope at Acacia

MILWAUKEE (January 19, 2026) – A group of women are thrilled to be offered work at Radium Dial Company, making glow-in-the-dark watches. In Ottawa, Illinois in 1922, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. As their friendship strengthens, their trust in the company erodes, compelling them to a pursuit of the truth. Pulsing with hope and wit, Melanie Marnich’s These Shining Lives is an immortal story of the women’s community and a poetic tribute to every human being’s time on earth.

Acacia’s Artistic Director Janet Bouman Peterson helms the production, following her “solid direction” of We Will Not Be Silent, which “achieve[d] maximum impact” (Shepherd Express). Bekah Rose—whose recent credits range from Jane Austen adaptations at Acacia to Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at Outskirts Theatre Company—leads the cast as Catherine. She is joined by Maura Cook, Shannon Nettesheim Klein, Olivia Nájera, Zion Nelson and Mark Neufang.

“Perfect, touching and wistful,” (Talkin’ Broadway) with plenty of “comic” (Variety) moments as well, These Shining Lives was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Award and the Weissberger Award. The play is produced regularly and broadly, beloved for its enduring truth, power and humanity. As described by director Amanda Hallman, it’s an “inspiring history that still has profound resonance within our society today.”

In keeping with Acacia’s commitment to make theatre more accessible, all tickets for These Shining Lives are pay what you can and may be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995. All performances will be given in The Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Church, located at 7845 North River Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217.

Performance dates:
Fri., March 6th at 7:30 PM, Sat., March 7th at 7:30 PM, Sun., March 8th at 3:00 PM, Thu., March 12th at 7:30 PM, Fri., March 13th at 7:30 PM, Sat., March 14th at 4:00 PM, Sun., March 15th at 3:00 PM, Fri., March 20th at 7:30 PM, Sat., March 21st at 4:00 PM, Sun., March 22nd at 3:00 PM

Ticket Information
All performances of These Shining Lives are pay what you can. Tickets can be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995.

About Acacia Theatre Company
Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.