Commonweal Theatre Company — Attraction in Lanesboro

‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie’ has been brought to radiant life by the talented artists at the Commonweal Theatre, and I am so delighted to have attended a recent performance of this smart, funny, and deeply moving work.

Like the electric lighting that engineer Hertha Ayrton was renowned for, moments from the play still arc between the nerve cells of my brain. In a time when both the arts and the sciences are being devalued, deeply human stories about the people behind scientific advancements are more important than ever. The cast (Laurie Roberts as Curie and Stela Burdt as Ayrton) brought such verve to the friendship between the two remarkable women of science at the heart of the play; Curie and Ayrton are not portrayed as caricatures in lab coats, but as three-dimensional humans with vivid inner worlds, desires, and vulnerabilities. The story deftly blends themes of friendship, isolation, feminism, validation, the beauty found in the natural world and the secret delight of scientific inquiry.

Go to the Commonweal and watch this: With witty dialogue, strong acting, beautiful stage design and immersive sound and lighting, the total effect is exquisitely transportive. It’s several days since I attended a performance, and scenes and lines play in my mind still. The half-life of art this good is...

My goodness! I am thrilled that my lovely sister-in-law arranged a day trip from Rochester to Lanesboro during my recent visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience that included a leisurely stroll through the lovely village of Lanesborough with a tour of the nicely managed & curated town's historical museum full of artifacts and a very lovely store of fine arts & crafts from area artisans.

It is a perfect biking/hiking location with river, hills, covered bridge, trails and lovely lodging options.

Our main purpose was to attend the play at Lanesboro's Commonweal Theatre. Wow! I enjoyed every aspect of the venue: actors were exceptional, theater in the round was intimate & comfortable and the play was entertaining with a thoughtful intermission during which attendees could stretch their legs & enjoy a wine or snack. I would definitely buy a season ticket if I lived within driving distance!

Finally, we were extremely impressed with the quality of service, food & ambience of the restaurant. All in all, this is a "must visit" if you are within commuting distance. This is certain to be a...

I love this place so much, I am a Million Dollar Club Member, which means I help to support this awesome theatre and get some wonderful perks ... like hearing all of the different people behind the scenes talk about what their plans are for the newest play ... the lighting director, the costume director, the people who design the stage and props, etc. and the director! I also get to hear the actors read the play to us. If you have not experienced this, it is awesome. This theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre that teaches apprentices how to run a business while they are also acting or other behind-the-scenes important functions. Then to top it off, they have wonderful plays for me to laugh, cry and think about. Last but not least, I get to also know the actors, directors, and everyone behind the scenes. Like I said, I...