Theater Review: "Silent Sky" by Stage @ the Warner

Torrington, CT – I can count myself among those who saw, either in person or virtually, the Staged Reading of “Silent Sky” in The Nancy Marine Studio Theatre in 2021 and subsequently voted for the Stage @ the Warner to offer a fully staged production of the play. The response to the staged reading, which was one of the first in person theatrical events at the Warner during COVID, was overwhelmingly positive. Audiences loved this true story of 19-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and now have the chance to see this lovely play written by Lauren Gunderson on the Warner’s second stage through May 22.

Gunderson, who has topped the list twice of the most produced playwrights in America since 2015, is also the author of “I and You,” “ The Catastrophist” and “The Revolutionists,” currently running at Phoenix Stage Company in Oakville.

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love.

“Silent Sky” explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Leavitt and her female peers Willliamina Fleming and Annie Jump Cannon believe in both scientific and social progress, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

Sharon W. Houk directed this show that has had a special place in her heart since first hearing about it in 2016. Her thoughtful direction has made the fully staged version even more magical and touching than the excellent staged reading. The director hopes that the play will “inspire audiences to encourage, validate, and recognize the work of all women and historically marginalized communities.”

Three cast members from the previous incarnation return, bringing their polished performances back to the stage. Lyn Nagel is perfect for the role of Leavitt, the play’s heroine who discovered how to measure the universe by determining the relationship between a star’s periodicity and its luminosity. I will admit that I often did not follow the scientific language in her lines (of which there are many,) but Nagel’s performance makes it almost impossible to miss the strength of this feminist before her time.

Eric Lindblom, a high school English teacher by day and the weekend host of “Backstage” on WZBG, returns to play Peter Shaw, an amalgamation of the male figures in the astronomer’s life. Lindblom, Nagel’s real-life boyfriend, charms the audience as his admiration for Leavitt deepens. Martha Irving also returns to play the role of Margaret Leavitt, Henrietta’s devoted sister. On opening night, Irving battled with a cough due to allergies, but plowed through the two acts with aplomb.

Warner Theatre favorite Marilyn Olsen joins the cast to play the delightful role of Willamena Fleming, the first leader of the project to classify stars in the Henry Draper Catalogue. Her Scottish accent and feisty comedic timing make the role come to life.

Priscilla Squiers, with a long list of community theater roles, is perfectly cast in the sometimes stern role of Annie Jump Cannon. Canon, who became an advocate for a woman’s right to vote, was a principal contributor to the published edition of the Draper Catalogue with her classification of stars by temperature, which is a system still used today.

Houk extended her gratitude to the current cast as well as to Ingrid Smith and Rebekah Derrick, who were part of the virtual staged reading of this script.

Talented pianists TJ Thompson and Dan Ringuette share the duty of performing the original music written by Jenny Giering for this play, which includes the liturgical hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” for Henrietta’s sister to perform. Stephen C. Houk designed the starlit set, with additional lighting by Robert MacPherson. The light that builds to close the first act is very impressive. The costume changes designed by Renee C. Purdy have been expanded to fill the two acts and match the characters so well.

“Silent Sky” is presented with one 15-minute intermission. Remaining performances are May 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 8:00 pm and May 15, & 22 at 2:00 pm. For tickets, visit warenertheatre.org or call the Box Office at 860-489-7180.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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