By HANNAH WING-BONICA
If you are into physics, you might be familiar with Gottfried Leibniz’s concept of Force Vive, the squaring of velocity, which opposes Newton’s theory, in which force stops. In the late 1600s, Leibniz’s equation of Force Vive was controversial, as Newton’s theory was widely accepted among scientists, except for one physicist and mathematician: Emilie du Châtelet. Through Emilie’s hard work and research, she determined that force vive should be squared. Her most famous book, Foundations of Physics, is a groundbreaking work that delves into the foundations of physics and metaphysics. In Lauren Gunderson’s Emilie: La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight, Emilie reflects on her life through the lenses of love and philosophy. South Park Theatre’s production of Emilie, directed by Olivia Hartle and stage managed by Andrea Lisiak, is a celebration of Emilie’s life and the contributions she made to science and philosophy.
Katie Kerr, in the title role, projects Emilie’s passion and curiosity well throughout the play. Emilie is so dedicated to her work that she puts aside almost everything else in her life to focus on her research and writing. That drive is what propels Kerr across the stage as she tallies two factors in the equation of her life: love and philosophy. Emilie’s parents arranged her marriage to the Marquis du Chatelet, but Emilie did not allow this to hold her back from experiencing a more fulfilling love. She and Voltaire (Adam Murelli) became lovers, ultimately setting them on a journey of passionate romance and scientific experimentation.
Meruloo is charming as Voltaire, the famous French Enlightenment writer. He flourishes around the parlor with grand gestures and almost begs others to feed his ego. His interactions with Kerr’s Emilie are some of the best scenes in the play, especially the one in which Emilie declares their relationship as lovers over. Even after the love affair between Emilie and Voltaire ends, Kerr and Meruloo’s interactions as friends remain intimate, reflecting the depth of their history.
Emilie also examines love in terms of family as well. Besides her relationship with Voltaire, Emilie’s relationships with her children and her mother are interesting and just as complex. There is a very brief yet very powerful scene between Emilie and her daughter, played by Rebecca Radeshak. Emilie’s daughter is being forced into an arranged marriage and wants her mother to stop it. However, Emilie wants her daughter to have a “normal life.” It’s heartbreaking to watch as mother and daughter argue with each other, and it seems that Emilie never gets a chance to repair this relationship before her death.
Jen Fitzgerald portrays many different characters within Emilie, but her performance as Emilie’s mother stands out. There is a moment in which her mother goes over the rules of being a lady, such as how to flirt with your fan, with Emilie. Emilie finds the rules ridiculous, much to her mother’s frustration. Even though Emilie didn’t agree with the rules, she still made sure her daughter followed them so her daughter could become a married woman. While Emilie’s relationship with Voltaire is significant, this glimpse into three generations of women might have been just as impactful for Gunderson to explore.
The theatrical equation of Emilie wouldn’t be complete without a solid set and period costumes. The colors of the set and costume design create a vibrant atmosphere. The set, designed by Sabrina Hykes-Davis, is a gorgeous purple salon with ample room for philosophizing and experimenting. Lilly Brown’s costume design complements the salon’s regal purple. The purple tones reemerge in Emilie’s dresses, while Voltaire’s upscale light green and gold provide a great contrast.
South Park Theatre’s Emilie is a must-see for Kerr and Meruloo’s performances, as well as its vibrant production design. This play will make you want to learn more about Émilie du Châtelet and her legacy.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
South Park Theatre’s production of Emilie runs from July 16 through August 1, 2026. The play is 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets at https://keystone.profiledevelopers.com/fmi/webd/Stellar%20Tickets
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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