Henrietta Leavitt is so passionately devoted to the stars that she decides to build her entire life around that dream. What unfolds is a journey much more complex than she ever anticipated.
With illuminative direction by Sarah Shin, Central Square Theater kicks off its new season with Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky continuing live and in person through Sunday, October 5 at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, MA. This celestial and biographical production is a Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Production and runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky boasts awe-inspiring connections about the nature of time and life’s occurrences through the cosmos. It is inspired by the real life story of historical figure Henrietta Leavitt, portrayed with a distinct drive by Jenny S. Lee. Leavitt is torn between two worlds and Scenic Designer Qingan Zhang effectively divides Henrietta’s life by a staircase between her warm Wisconsin home which includes populated bookcases, floral arrangements, framed family photos and a piano with Harvard University workspaces and an impressive towering refractor looming overhead to the stars. Lighting Designer Eduardo M. Ramirez with Projection Designer Michi Zaya showcase inviting and rich landscapes include the immensity of the cosmos and the magnitude of the ocean. In multicolor frocks, flowing skirts, detailed high necklines, tailored suits and formal dress coats, Costume designer Leslie Held elegantly captures the high fashion of the early 20th century progressive era.
One does not need to be familiar with astronomy to appreciate Silent Sky, but astronomy enthusiasts may have a more thorough understanding of some of the production’s finer scientific details. Delivered with a combination of humor and analysis, Silent Sky explores a broad number of subjects including love, family, the women’s movement, societal expectations, life’s unexpected shifts and what it truly takes for a breakthrough.
Silent Sky is fascinating, but its scientific and factual focus at times curtails some of its emotional depth. Jenny S. Lee as determined Henrietta and Kandyce Whittingham as Henrietta’s devoted and forthright sister Margaret share a heartwarming bond and Whittingham is often maternal towards Henrietta as she relentlessly pursues her dreams. It also has a unique element of music and dance delivered by Whittingham’s eloquent musical versatility that turns up in significant and unexpected places.
Max Jackson as dubious Peter Shaw shares jittery and charming chemistry with Lee and it is captivating to see Henrietta not only rise to challenge Peter’s intellectual prowess but Peter’s approach as a bundle of nervous energy to Lee’s direct and sensible delivery. Lee Mikeska Gardner brings excellent bravado and frequent frank comical moments as Williamina Fleming and Erica Cruz Hernández is bold yet nurturing as American astronomer activist Annie Cannon. Alongside Lee’s Henrietta, they form a dynamite and fiercely loyal trio ahead of their time and prove that when great minds come together, the sky’s the limit.
An educational and unconventional work exploring the pursuit of discovery, Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky is not without its twists and turns as Henrietta Leavitt is one to root for as she relentlessly embarks on an inspirational journey to be remembered in the pursuit of light.
With illuminative direction by Sarah Shin, Central Square Theatre kicks off its new season with Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky continuing live and in person through Sunday, October 5 at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, MA. This celestial and biographical production is a Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Production and runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.