The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

The play revolves around the dysfunctional Hunsdorfer family – self-centered and abusive mother, Beatrice, epileptic and unstable eldest daughter Ruth, and the quiet and brilliant youngest daughter, Tillie – during the science fair at Tillie and Ruth’s school. Beatrice, driven by her own failure, cannot abide the idea of Tillie succeeding in the fair or Ruth standing up to her; this leads to a push and pull of wit and psychological control between mother and daughters.