Pierre and Marie

Two young scientists experience the thrill of discovery, the pitfalls of fame and the wonder of love in the New York Premiere of the scientific comedy Pierre and Marie. Adapted by Ron Clark from the play Les Palmes de. M. Schutz by Jean-Noel Fenwick, and presented by Break A Leg Productions, the show is directed by Christopher Bellis. This comedy was developed through the Science and the Arts program at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Discovering the unknown, finding out how the universe works, unlocking a scientific mystery. For many in the scientific community, being able to accomplish such a thing is the holy grail of their existence. This is the attitude which drives young scientist Pierre Curie in late 1880s Paris, France; to the distraction of his more practical-minded associate Bemont and their political lackey of a superior, Monsieur Chevrier. Faced with losing his position (and his funding) if he doesn’t start producing results, help arrives in the guise of Marie Sklodowska, a young Polish scientist who is determined to study in France. Despite an initial wariness on Pierre’s part, who initially deems her “super cynical,” the two eventually learn to tolerate each other – and more. But although the two are growing both as scientists and human beings, the results of their discoveries bring outside pressure and jealousy from the scientific community at large and they find themselves on the defensive at every turn. Trying to remain both at the top of the scientific ladder and true to their ideals of doing good for the benefit of one’s fellow man, Pierre and Marie is a tale of love – both romantic and scientific – and the sacrifices one has to make for each.