SILENT SKY at East Lynne Theater Company

Computers weren't always machines. In the late 1800's, computers were women astronomers who "computed" data to map the sky. They were only allowed to work from photographic plates, since only men were allowed to look through the telescope at the Harvard College Observatory. Henrietta Leavitt (1868-1912) was one of these "computers," and the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company is celebrating her 150th birthday by presenting the NJ premiere of "Silent Sky."
In 1912, astronomer Henrietta Leavitt provided the key to determining the size of the cosmos, which was a valuable stepping stone for others to be able to measure the distance of stars and galaxies. As a working woman, she balanced her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. Like many women, she was looking for her place in the universe.
This exciting new work moves quickly through time and space in telling Leavitt's story. Written by Lauren Gunderson, the most produced playwright in America today, it premiered at South Coast Repertory in 2011.
ELTC's artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth is always looking for plays based on American themes. After reading “Silent Sky,” she wondered if Tom Byrn might be interested in directing it. Although this is his first time to direct for ELTC, many will remember his "Mr. Lincoln" and other roles at ELTC.
Four of the five exceptional actors are new to the company: Kathryn Barnhardt, Pat Dwyer, Nikki Ferry, and Mary Elizabeth Scallen. Veronique Hurley was in ELTC's "Biography."
"Silent Sky" runs from September 19 through October 13 at 8:00PM, Wednesdays through Saturdays except: no show on October 3, a show on Sunday, October 7 at 7:30PM, and on October 10, the show is at 2:00PM. The opening night party on September 19 is at The Merion Inn, across the street. On Friday, Sept. 28 is an after-show Q&A with the cast.