'Silent Sky' continues Clague's 90th season

"Silent Sky" by Lauren Gunderson tells the story of real-life female astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and her co-workers at the Harvard Observatory in the early 20th century. She and the ladies of her department were “computers” for the male astronomers, doing important research, measurements and calculations for the men, but getting no credit for their work nor access to Harvard’s telescope, “The Great Refractor.” However, Henrietta and her contemporaries, Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming, went on to gain access to the telescope and to make important discoveries of their own.

Showing some of the roots of feminism in the United States, the play is ideal for Women’s History Month. These ladies’ stories are similar to others throughout American history, including the “code girls” who deciphered enemy messages during World War II and the female NASA employees, also called “computers,” in the early space program (depicted in the award-winning film “Hidden Figures”). Annie Cannon also became a dedicated suffragette, marching for women’s voting rights.

Directed by Curt Arnold, our cast includes some familiar Clague faces as well as some newcomers. Portraying Henrietta is Brittany Gaul, with Jill Kenderes as her sister, Margaret. Henrietta’s co-workers are played by Pam Matthews as Annie and Molly Clay as Williamina, and Andrew Keller is Peter Shaw, an apprentice astronomer, supervisor of the ladies, and potential suitor to Henrietta.

The theme of seeking our place in the universe should appeal to anyone who has stood in the backyard at midnight, looking up at the stars and wondering what’s “out there”!

"Silent Sky" runs from March 9-31 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+), and $10 for students (any age with a valid ID). Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the box office at 440-331-0403 Wednesday through Saturday from 1–6 p.m. or online at www.clagueplayhouse.org

In order to make the art of theater more accessible to those in our community, Clague Playhouse is excited to continue to offer FREE Student Ticket Nights! Designated only for Thursday evening performances, students of any age are invited to show their student IDs (or other form of school identification) and attend any Thursday Clague Playhouse showing at no charge. Clague Playhouse is delighted to be able to welcome students as we celebrate our 90th season and 50th in the Barn.

Curt Arnold

by Curt Arnold

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 9:35 AM, 03.06.2018