Catalyst Collaborative@MIT

REVIEW:  Titans of discovery and the wonder of a not so ‘Silent Sky’ at Central Square Theater

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

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.

Jenny S. Lee and Max Jackson in Lauren Gunderson’s ‘Silent Sky’ at Central Square Theater Photo by Nile Scott Studios

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.

Max Jackson in Lauren Gunderson’s ‘Silent Sky’ at Central Square Theater Photo by Nile Scott Studios

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. 

Kandyce Whittingham and Jenny S Lee in Lauren Gunderson’s ‘Silent Sky’ at Central Square Theater Photo by Nile Scott Studios

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 and Jenny S. Lee in Lauren Gunderson’s ‘Silent Sky’ at Central Square Theater Photo by Nile Scott Studios

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.

Lee Mikeska Gardner, Jenny S. Lee and Erica Cruz Hernández in Lauren Gunderson’s ‘Silent Sky’ at Central Square Theater Photo by Nile Scott Studios

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.

REVIEW:  Navigating a dream in Central Square Theater’s ‘SPACE’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

For some aviators, space is so close and yet so far away.

The journey for breakthrough can span generations and Space examines the rocky path to bring women to space by taking leaps and bounds through time while unveiling a mix of accomplished and still some hidden figures.

A Catalyst Collaborative@MIT production written by LM Feldman with innovative direction by Larissa Lury, Central Square Theater continues SPACE live and in person through Sunday, February 23 at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  The performance is not limited to the stage, contains some mature themes and runs approximately two and a half hours including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Barlow Adamson and Kaili Y Turner in Central Square Theater’s ‘SPACE” Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Prior to SPACE, make your way to a star-filled, adjacent room to study an array of promising and bright aviators featured in this production.   Some who became astronauts and others who attempted to break through barriers while making strides for others. 

Introduced by Kaili Y. Turner as the first African-American woman to travel to space Mae Jemison and Barlow Adamson as JFK, Central Square Theater’s SPACE transcends 100 years bringing together aviation legends whose paths may have never crossed in reality, but gathered together in this production where anything is possible.

Catherine K. Slusar, Kaili Y. Turner, Hui Ying Wen, and MK Tuomanen in Central Square Theater’s ‘SPACE’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Qingan Zhang’s simple yet expansive set design with John R. Malinowski’s transformative lighting and Nate Tucker’s immersive sound design combine for a celestial experience.  The journey to become an astronaut is a physical and mental rollercoaster and this production articulates that rigorous and complicated path in an unconventional and effective manner.  This multilayered production maintains a swiftly moving pace through simultaneous conversations and detailed commentary while stylistically evolving from scene to scene with a zippy narrative. 

The cast’s fascinating rapport explores the similarities and differences these women might have shared had they existed in the same time period, especially when they put their heads together.  It is unique method of examining their individual backgrounds and how they might have interacted if time and space had no barriers.  The production discusses each of these dynamic women’s accomplishments (some who were self taught) and delves into aspects of their personal lives, interests and tragedies which those in charge unreasonably deem to affect their ability for the program compared to male candidates. 

Catharine K. Slusar, Hui Ying Wen, Valencia Proctor and Monica Risi in Central Square Theater’s ‘SPACE’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Some of the strongest scenes of the production include the arduous testing involved for this group of women test candidates in the 1961 Mercury 13 space program.  Led by Barlow Adamson as a testing official, the candidates physically pile together through clever human choreography during testing, symbolizing a bond with the other women who may have never met in reality, but share a common dream.

MK Tuomanen and Mitra Sharif in Central Square Theater’s ‘SPACE’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

MK Tuomanen delivers a memorable performance as daring and carefree Sally Ride and aptly articulates the panic and pressure of being NASA’s special consultant Geraldyn Cobb in a dual role.  Listing jaw dropping accomplishments, Catherine K. Slusar avidly depicts Jackie Cochran’s sheer vigilance in a difficult position navigating the system as a Woman Airforce Service pilot, spokesman, and sponsor of the Mercury 13 space program.  Adamson portrays an inspiring and exacting JFK and juggles a number of other characters with finesse and occasional humor while Turner delivers a fervent performance as Mae Jemison.

Mitra Sharif, Hui Ying Wen, Catherine K Slusar, Valencia Proctor, MK Tuomanen and Monica Risi in Central Square Theater’s ‘SPACE’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

At one point in the production, it is mentioned that there is no ceiling in space.  Learning about these brilliant women who reached and fought tirelessly through generations for their mutual dream to innovate beyond the system through changes, blockages and rejection to explore space stands an as an inspiration for any dreamer to persist no matter what until that dream is a reality.

Central Square Theater continues SPACE live and in person through Sunday, February 23 at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  The performance is not limited to the stage, contains some mature themes and runs approximately two and a half hours including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.