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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. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
News About Silent Sky at Ford's Theatre
Photos: First Look at Pearl Cleage's SOMETHING MOVING: A MEDITATION ON MAYNARD at Ford's Theatre
September 26, 2023Get a first look at photos of Pearl Cleage's Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard at Ford's Theatre, and learn how to purchase tickets!
Cast and Creatives Set For Pearl Cleage's SOMETHING MOVING: A MEDITATION ON MAYNARD at Ford's Theatre Society
August 03, 2023Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Pearl Cleage's Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard, directed by Seema Sueko (Silent Sky).
A World Premiere by Pearl Cleage & More Set for Ford's Theatre Society 2023-2024 Season
May 23, 2023The Ford’s Theatre has announced its 2023-2024 season, featuring the world premiere of Pearl Cleage’s Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard, directed by Seema Sueko and more.
Ford's Theatre Performances Of THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL Begin Next Month
August 30, 2022Ford's Theatre Society announced full casting and the design team for Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful, September 23 – October 16, 2022. Directed by Michael Wilson, this classic American drama is a compelling portrait of family, what we hold onto and what we leave behind.
VIDEO: Watch a Premiere of DETROIT '67 by Dominique Morisseau, Now Streaming at Signature Theatre
August 25, 2021Detroit '67, the final production in the Signature Features 2021 Season is now available for streaming through Thursday, September 16 on Marquee TV.
DETROIT '67 by Dominique Morisseau Now Streaming at Signature Theatre Through Sept. 16
August 02, 2021Detroit '67, the final production in the Signature Features 2021 Season is now available for streaming through Thursday, September 16 on Marquee TV.
Signature Theatre Announces Cast & Dates for DETROIT '67
July 06, 2021Signature Theatre has announced the full cast and dates for Detroit ‘67, the final production in the Signature Features 2021 Season. Written by MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow Dominique Morisseau and directed by Candis C. Jones, Detroit ‘67 depicts abrupt changes to the lives of the Poindexter siblings during the 1967 Detroit uprising.
Ford's Theatre and Ford's Theatre Museum to Begin Phased Re-Opening
October 09, 2020Ford's Theatre Society and the National Park Service have announced a phased reopening schedule for Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Museum beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2020, with advance tickets required. Tickets for October 14-18 will be available online beginning October 13, 2020, at 10 a.m.
BWW Review: SILENT SKY at Ford's Theatre is Bursting with Imagination
January 31, 2020The city lights of Washington may typically obscure the night sky, but a portal to the cosmos has opened in downtown DC. Playwright Lauren Gunderson has gifted us a corner of the galaxy through the telescopic lens of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt's life and scientific discoveries. Leavitt's work may have been rooted in facts and figures, but SILENT SKY is bursting with imagination.
Washington Theatre to Honor Victor Shargai
January 24, 2020The Washington theatre community remains in mourning over the loss of Victor Shargai, long-time theatreWashington board chair, theater lover, and philanthropist, who passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2019. For decades, Victor dedicated himself to celebrating theater artists and strengthening the theater institutions in the Washington D.C. region. As a champion and a supporter, he believed fervently in theater's power to transform lives and communities.
Ford's Theatre Society Announces Full Casting for Lauren Gunderson's SILENT SKY
December 11, 2019Ford's Theatre Society announced full casting and the design team for Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, a captivating play based on the life of trail-blazing astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. The Ford's Theatre production is directed by Seema Sueko and features Laura C. Harris (Arena Stage's The Heiress, Signature Theatre's The Flick) as Henrietta Leavitt, Nora Achrati as Annie Jump Cannon, Emily Kester as Margaret Leavitt, Jonathan David Martin as Peter Shaw and Holly Twyford as Williamina Fleming. Performances are January 24 to February 23, 2020. A media performance is scheduled for January 29, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Ford's Theatre Society And TodayTix Announce Fourth Year Of Free First Preview Ticket Initiative
September 18, 2019Ford's Theatre Society and TodayTix announced the fourth year of the popular Free First Preview initiative, through which free tickets are given away to the first performance of all Ford's Theatre mainstage productions. The TodayTix digital lottery launches online and in the app one week before the first performance of each mainstage production in the 2019-2020 season. A total of 1,950 tickets will be given away.
Ford's Theatre Announces 2019/2020 Season; FENCES, GUYS & DOLLS, and More!
February 28, 2019Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the upcoming 2019-2020 theatrical season will include August Wilson's Fences, directed by Timothy Douglas and starring Craig Wallace and Erika Rose; Silent Sky, an inspiring drama about trail-blazing female astronomers, directed by Seema Sueko; the classic musical comedy Guys and Dolls, directed by Peter Flynn; and A Christmas Carol featuring Craig Wallace reprising the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ford's Theatre Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Ford's Theatre is at 511 10th St NW, Washington DC.
We honor Lincoln’s love of the performing arts by producing theatre that captivates and entertains. Experience a live performance in a historic theatre like no other. Join us for an American musical, a classic play, a history-based drama or a dynamic world premiere. Since its reopening in 1968, Ford’s Theatre has produced plays and musicals celebrating the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and exploring the American experience. With commissions like The Guard and Lincoln-based premieres such as The Heavens Are Hung in Black and Necessary Sacrifices, Ford’s Theatre is making its mark on American theatre.
Videos
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Mummy in the Closet: Evita's Return
GALA Hispanic Theatre (5/9 - 6/9) | |
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Chicks in Heavem
Creative Cauldron (4/11 - 4/28) | |
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The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage (6/6 - 7/14) | |
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Bridging the Gap
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Is God Is
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Riverside Christmas Spectacular
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Funny Girl
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Rockville Little Theatre presents Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (5/3 - 5/12) | ||
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The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
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