NORTH EAST, MD — The Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College proudly presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, a captivating and inspiring play that celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in science. Directed by Penny Beene, this production promises to transport audiences to the cosmos through the compelling story of Henrietta Leavitt.
Silent Sky invites theatergoers to embark on a journey into the world of early 20thcentury astronomy, where Henrietta Leavitt, portrayed in MST’s production by Netanya Brittain, defied the odds and made groundbreaking discoveries that forever changed our understanding of the universe. Leavitt found 2,400 new variable stars and made important discoveries about their fluctuating brightness, enabling fellow scientists to map the Milky Way and beyond.
Director Penny Beene shared her deep connection to the play, stating, “From the very first encounter with this play, it sang to me in a way few plays do. At the center, I admit I am not enamored of all scientific study, however, I do understand how science can open the universe to anyone willing to pay the slightest attention. Add great writing and my own strong appreciation for the accomplishments of unsung heroes—especially women, and you have the reasons Silent Sky is an extension of the things I admire most.”
Netanya Brittain, who takes on the role of Henrietta, expressed her excitement, saying, “I feel an inherent comfort in playing someone my younger (and current) self would envy: a woman who refused to let anyone belittle her for having such big ideas. For rising generations, that mindset is everything. While Henrietta Leavitt discovered the period-luminosity relation, it’s her humanity that makes her inspiring in Silent Sky. Lauren Gunderson’s Henrietta is real and relatable—from her struggle to balance a passion with her relationships, to her desire for meaning. She even uses a physical disability to her great advantage. It was critical to familiarize myself with the vast, and often overwhelming, world of astronomy as it existed in Henrietta’s time. My primary source was The Glass Universe by Dava Sobel. This book illuminates the ladies of the Harvard Observatory and their invaluable contributions to astronomical research.”
The talented cast of Silent Sky also includes Courtney Lynahan, Casey Brogan, Gail Wagner, and Leslie Green Shapiro, who bring their extraordinary skills to breathe life into this powerful story.
Join the Milburn Stone Theatre for a captivating and thought-provoking evening as they journey through the cosmos and celebrate the achievements of Henrietta and the incredible women who shaped the field of astronomy.
For tickets and more information, visit www.milburnstone.com or call the Milburn Stone Theatre Box Office at (410) 287-1037.
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