Rehearsals are well underway for Hamilton-Gibson Productions’ presentation of Silent Sky, a play that shows its main character, Henrieta Leavitt, attempting to balance her work aspirations with home and family life. 

Director Jessie Thompson says, “We hope to not only share the story of her significant contributions to science, but also to show what obstacles were in place, and how she dealt with them. She had strong and sometimes complicated family ties, and achieving certain milestones in her work was also very important to her.”

Henrietta was a preacher’s kid, and the play also highlights how her scientific mind navigated the world of spirituality and mystery. She and her sister have different views on these matters, and we see how their relationship unfolds and matures, and how these two seemingly opposing views can be compatible, or at least companionable. 

Henrietta Leavitt is played by Megan Gallant, who has appeared in other plays with HG, most recently in the powerful production of Elephant’s Graveyard presented last year in the Coolidge Theater. Her love interest in the story is played by Jeremy O’Neil, also an experienced performer last seen in the popular show Grand Horizons at the Warehouse Theater. The cast is rounded out by Henrietta’s scientific co-workers, played by Lilace Guignard and Natalie Himmelberger, and Henrietta’s musical sister, played by Jayna Brodnicki. 

Performances of Silent Sky are May 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30pm, and May 12 at 2:30pm at the Coolidge Theater, 104 Main St. in Wellsboro. Tickets can be purchased at www.HamiltonGibson.org or by calling 570-724-2079. Reservations are recommended. 

On April 26 there is a special “sneak-peek” performance of a scene from the play being presented at the event, Women in Astronomy:Henrietta Leavitt,  taking place at the Strait Planetarium, Commonwealth University Mansfield in conjunction with the PA Wilds Astronomy Club. This program will also include a talk on Leavitt’s contributions to science, a planetarium show, and telescope observing in the parking lot afterward if the skies are clear.  Space-themed snacks will be provided! Friday, April 26. Doors open at 6:30pm with refreshments followed by the program. Register for this FREE program at: pawildsastro.org/event/henrietta-leavitt/

Attached photo: Henrietta Swan Leavitt