As a woman living in the modern age, I can recognize that there are so many things in my day-to-day life I get the ease of having without ever really having to think about it. One of these things is the at-home pregnancy test. Being able to take a pregnancy test in the comfort of your home and know if you’re expecting within a few minutes is one of the modern luxuries found today. But it hasn’t always been this way, and if you have ever been curious about how we got here, then Predictor will have all the answers!

Based on true events, Predictor tells the story of Margaret “Meg” Crane who was the inventor of the first at-home pregnancy test in 1967. The play opens with Meg sitting at a table, facing one of the biggest decisions of her life. Will she sign the rights to her at-home pregnancy test “Predictor” to Organon Pharmaceuticals? Or will she choose a different fate for her invention? We follow a journey through her memories to see every action and choice that has led up to this moment.

This is one of the most creative and brilliantly written plays I have ever seen. Throughout the play, there are flashes of Meg’s life growing up which gives great insight into who she is. On top of the flashbacks, there are also comical cutaway scenes that play into the ‘60s setting like a gameshow called “Who Made THAT?” or even an informational film about a woman’s “changing body”. The cutaways and flashbacks all flow together with the main storyline to make the play entertaining and incredibly impactful.

I was very impressed by Alissa Doyle’s performance of Meg. She does a fantastic job of showing that Meg is determined, stubborn, and extremely imaginative, even if her imagination can get in her own way. Meg recognizes that what she has created can change everything for women, and she wants to ensure it is going into the right hands. Her enthusiasm and tenacity will have you cheering her on and have you wondering how you haven’t heard of her before.

The availability of the at-home pregnancy test was a milestone in women’s rights and Predictor does a wonderful job of highlighting and honoring Meg Crane’s role in that history. You are sure to leave the theatre with new knowledge, and maybe even a new word (like enceinte). Don’t miss your opportunity to watch this spectacular play running now through July 23 at Capital Stage. Learn more here.