It is Margaret Sanger’s dream to create a contraceptive pill. She teams up with philanthropist Katharine McCormick to make this a reality. Upon learning about hormone treatments, they hire scientist Gregory Pincus to develop the drug. Afterwards, they hire gynecologist John Rock to test it on his patients. To further the scope of their testing, they do clinical trials in Puerto Rico. 

This is a very informative play. It explores the interesting scientific progress and also the compromises that must be made to achieve a big dream. The focus is more informational than emotional. 

The cast includes Janet Ulrich Brooks (Tiny Beautiful Things, Native Gardens) as Sanger, Mitchell J Fain as Pincus, Rammel Chan as the second scientist, Mary Beth Fisher (Swing State) as McCormick, Maria Victoria Martinez as the narrator, and David Parkes (Campaigns, Inc.) as Rock.

Overall, the play is a bit too focused on pointing out the faults of the characters instead of celebrating their victories. 

Cost of a ticket: $76

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted

Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for The Birth of the Pill through October 11. 

Quinn Delaney