The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries. When she begins to work at the Harvard Observatory, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned male astronomer. Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both scientific and social progress, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the Heavens and Earth.
Silent Sky
Reviews
"Silent Sky" is a well-crafted feel-good evening in the theatre. If playwright Lauren Gunderson had decided to draw on Scottish history for her play then we may have wound up with a sweet love story about that couple with the funny accents the Macbeths. But for a play with “drama-lite” as its most egregious flaw the International City Theatre is a perfect venue.
This play is filled with humor, romance, feminism and universe revealing science. It is filled with beautiful, captivating dialog and it's musical but not in the normal sense.
While the play falls a bit flat in a few dull scenes, as the main subject material in my opinion is lacking in any major conflict, other humorous, romantic and musical parts, though apparently contrived, help liven up the production.
ICT's production of “Silent Sky” is as entertaining as it is pedagogical, making learning into an artistic event.
All five performers have been perfectly cast, and are well directed by Todd Nielsen in their respective roles, clearly invested in the story they are telling.
Run do not walk to the International City Theatre's new production of Silent Sky.
"Silent Sky" will leave many attendees wanting to learn more about its subject, as the best dramatic presentations often do. Hopefully, this play's "hidden figures" won't remain in obscurity much longer.
ICT's handsome, expertly crafted production is confidently helmed by director Todd Nielsen, with Leavitt's world cloaked in the often stuffy formality of both the era and the world of academia. Yet, the impressively solid work of Nielsen and his superb cast can't compensate for the script's shortcomings.
The feel-good ending falls into place to bring about a poetic and serendipitous climax, which, according to Gunderson, was the primary reason for turning this inspirational story into a play.
I found the play uplifting and delightful, leavened by the inevitable sadness that is the universal lot.
With its just-right blend of human relationships, science, and romance, Silent Sky entertains as often as it illuminates. From the heavens above, Henrietta Leavitt would be proud.
"Silent Sky" is a well-crafted feel-good evening in the theatre. If playwright Lauren Gunderson had decided to draw on Scottish history for her play then we may have wound up with a sweet love story about that couple with the funny accents the Macbeths. But for a play with “drama-lite” as its most egregious flaw the International City Theatre is a perfect venue.
This play is filled with humor, romance, feminism and universe revealing science. It is filled with beautiful, captivating dialog and it's musical but not in the normal sense.
While the play falls a bit flat in a few dull scenes, as the main subject material in my opinion is lacking in any major conflict, other humorous, romantic and musical parts, though apparently contrived, help liven up the production.
ICT's production of “Silent Sky” is as entertaining as it is pedagogical, making learning into an artistic event.
All five performers have been perfectly cast, and are well directed by Todd Nielsen in their respective roles, clearly invested in the story they are telling.
Run do not walk to the International City Theatre's new production of Silent Sky.
"Silent Sky" will leave many attendees wanting to learn more about its subject, as the best dramatic presentations often do. Hopefully, this play's "hidden figures" won't remain in obscurity much longer.
ICT's handsome, expertly crafted production is confidently helmed by director Todd Nielsen, with Leavitt's world cloaked in the often stuffy formality of both the era and the world of academia. Yet, the impressively solid work of Nielsen and his superb cast can't compensate for the script's shortcomings.
The feel-good ending falls into place to bring about a poetic and serendipitous climax, which, according to Gunderson, was the primary reason for turning this inspirational story into a play.
I found the play uplifting and delightful, leavened by the inevitable sadness that is the universal lot.
With its just-right blend of human relationships, science, and romance, Silent Sky entertains as often as it illuminates. From the heavens above, Henrietta Leavitt would be proud.