Blackfriars Theatre Continues Its 70th Anniversary Season With SILENT SKY

Blackfriars Theatre's fifth show of its 70th Anniversary Season tells the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Silent Sky is written by Lauren Gunderson, one of America's most produced living playwrights.

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.

"When I read Silent Sky I discovered the story of these marvelous women - Henrietta Leavitt, Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming - whose (mostly unheralded) work in measuring and cataloging the stars led to our modern understanding of the unimaginable vastness of the universe," said Director Patricia Lewis Browne. "I've always been drawn to stories about discovery in science and art and how those discoveries help us understand what it is to be human. This play blends those elements with humor and irreverence and reminds us that in uncertain times there is value in insisting that there is much more beyond us."

The Silent Sky cast includes Erin-Kate Howard (Annie Cannon), Colin Pazik (Peter Shaw), Sara Penner (Margaret Leavitt), Jill Rittinger (Henrietta Leavitt), and Kerry Young (Williamina Fleming). The production is directed by Patricia Lewis Browne.

Silent Sky is sponsored by Reliant Community Credit Union, LMT Technology Solutions, LaBella Associates, and Get Caked Bakery. Silent Sky is presented in partnership with RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) with additional support from 2019-2020 Media Sponsors CITY Newspaper and Warm 101.3.

Silent Sky marks the fifth of six productions slated for BT's 70th Anniversary Season. Throughout the year they'll also be producing a retrospective concert, a play reading series highlighting favorites from past seasons, along with showcasing everything that has made Blackfriars special and essential over the previous 69 years as a staple of the downtown Rochester arts scene. The 70th Anniversary Season will be an important moment in the theatre's history as they celebrate the hard work of so many Rochester artists and kick off the next chapter of professionally-minded, artistically-ambitious local theatre-making!

Tickets are available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www.blackfriars.org, or by calling (585) 454-1260. Senior and student discounts are available online or through the Box Office. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one hour prior to performance. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. To 4:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

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