Photo Flash: Open Book Theatre Presents ADA AND THE ENGINE

Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, is credited with writing the first computer program. Although she has a computer language named for her, and is celebrated for her contributions to computer science, many people don't know her name.

Her fascinating story will be told on stage at Open Book Theatre in a music-laced play of love, friendship, and the edgiest dreams of the future. The Michigan premiere of Ada and the Engine, by Lauren Gunderson, will run September 7 - October 6.

Ada's contributions led to the computers we use in our daily lives. She took Charles Babbage's plans for an Analytical Engine and imagined many more ways that the engine could be used to process information. Sarah Hawkins, who plays Ada, says "it's been amazing to see the responses I've gotten when I tell people about the show. Most people are like, "Who?" And it baffles me because this woman had such a profound impact on how we live our daily lives, and yet she has been forgotten. The best response I got was from a young woman who studied computer program, who was ecstatic that Ada's story was being told. I feel so honored to play a character that means so much to her."

Ada's mother left her famous father shortly after Ada's birth, and worked to shield Ada from his philandering, poetic nature by steeping her in math and science. Ada flourished in the sciences, and yet still had the poet's heart. She frequently referred to herself as a fairy, dreamed of flying, and imagined the way the engines could make beautiful music. She connected the dots between math and poetry and music. "Ada dreams of the future," explains director Krista Schafer Ewbank. "The play is a beautiful examination of her working towards a bright future. She sees it, and unfortunately never gets to live it. But it's a celebration of a life lived with purpose and inspiration. It's also full of love, longing, dysfunctional family dynamics, and some biting British wit."

Director Schafer Ewbank and leading lady Sarah Hawkins worked together on last year's celebrated production of Emilie, another Gunderson play that introduced us to a fascinating female scientist. This time they've reversed roles of director and actor, and joke that they are Gunderson Groupies. Sarah explains "Babbage describes Ada as an "effervescence for the mind," which is why I adore her. Not only is she intellectually brilliant, she is also stubborn, defiant, hopeful, conflicted, full of joy and love and passion. Gunderson has written a true-to-life character who struggles through the conflict of her head and her heart, all while standing on the precipice of one of the greatest inventions in human history. It is so necessary to tell stories of great women, because it is the voice we haven't heard that makes the story complete." Schafer Ewbank also directed a production of Gunderson's play Bauer in 2016. "She's the most produced playwright in America right now, after Shakespeare. She tells fascinating stories, and never fails to deliver on some wonderful theatricality. She understands what makes theatre such a unique experience."

Individual tickets are only $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and $15 for students, with all tickets for the opening night gala at $30 each. Season tickets for all 5 shows offer up to a 25% discount: $100 for general admission, $80 for seniors, $65 for students, and $125 for opening nights. Tickets can be purchased online at openbooktc.com. More information can be found online or by calling 734 288-7753.

The show features Sarah Hawkins as Ada, Lindel Salow as Charles Babbage, Joshua Brown as Lord Lovelace, Kez Settle as Anabella Byron, Cynthia Szczesny as Mary Somerville, and Matthew Wallace as Lord Byron. Directed by Krista Schafer Ewbank. Scenic Design by Eric Niece, Lighting Design by Harley Miah, Choreography by Geri Conner. Stage managed by Danielle Gilbert.

Photo Credit: Jan Cartwright