BRAINERD — The Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center and Brainerd Community Theatre present the play “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson at the Chalberg Theatre on Oct. 26-28 and Nov. 2-4.
“Silent Sky” tells the story of real-life astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose contributions and discoveries in the early 20th century paved the way for advancements in science and opportunities for women’s rights.
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.
Playwright Lauren Gunderson has been one of the most produced playwrights in America since 2015. She is a two-time winner of the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for I and You and The Book of Will, the winner of the Lanford Wilson Award and a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. She lives in San Francisco.
Directing the production is Central Lakes College Theatre professor Cory Johnson, with stage management and technical support by Shawna Sylvester, Marc Oliphant, and Cora Starns. CLC student Olivia Armstrong, seen last fall as Eugene in Brighton Beach Memoirs, plays Henrietta. Joining Olivia on-stage are frequent Brainerd Community Theatre performers Joey Haasken, Lorri Jager, Mackenzie Papillon-Renford, and Kryston Wiseley. Scenic design by Tim Leagjeld. Lighting design by Heidi Eckwall. Costumes by Cory Johnson, based on designs by Caitlin Quinn. Sound engineering by Breton Monroe. Original music by Kyle Brown and Jenny Giering.
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A group of Central Lakes College faculty members, led by Kari Frisch, have engaged several disciplines at CLC in a cross-curricular project in conjunction with Silent Sky, resulting in CLC students working on multiple projects in the Fall semester connected to the history and science behind the story. These projects will be on display in the lobby of the Chalberg Theatre throughout the run of the show. In addition, the cross-curricular project and the CLCPAC are producing additional events for Silent Sky performances, including:
Opening Night Reception and Art Gallery Exhibit is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Introduction to the Night Sky, a stargazing event hosted by CLC faculty, indoors or outdoors dependent on weather, will be post show Friday, Oct. 27. ASL Interpreter Night is Friday, Nov. 3. Talkbacks with the director and cast of “Silent Sky” is post show Saturday, Oct. 28, and Friday, Nov. 3.
Closing night reception and musical performance and discussion by composer Kyle Brown is 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.
In addition, the Forestview Planetarium at Forestview Middle School is offering free shows focused on the history of Henrietta Leavitt and her contemporary female “computers.” Shows are at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23; Tuesday, Oct. 24; and Monday, Oct. 30. Guests can sign up for the shows in advance at
www.fmsplanetarium.com
.
“We’re delighted that this show has made such an impact in the CLC community, and we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from the CLC faculty, staff, and community partners to help us share this joyful and important story with our audiences,” said Joey Yow, director of the CLC Performing Arts Center, in a news release.
“Silent Sky” performs at the Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College in Brainerd on 7 p.m. Oct. 26-28, 7 p.m. Nov. 2-3, and 6 p.m. Nov. 4. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for those under 18, and $5 for CLC students. All special events are included with ticket purchases. Tickets can be purchased at
www.clcperformingarts.com
or by calling the Box Office at 218-855-8199 Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m..
The Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center is an arts affiliate of Central Lakes College, presenting regional, national, and international artists to the Brainerd Lakes Area as well as producing the Brainerd Community Theatre.