Issuu

DIREC T OR ’ S N O T E

I believe Silent Sky in the simplest words is a show about dreams. While the story focuses on Henrietta and the troubles she encounters as she purses her dreams in astrological research, we also see the dreams of the other characters such as her sister and coworkers. Some of the characters chase their dreams while others let their lives be dictated by those in authority To me, a play about dreams draped in a continuous starry background represents hope.

Henrietta receives a lot of backlash as she aims for her dreams, and she is discouraged by those close to her at ﬁrst. While Henrietta doesn’t believe in God the same way her sister does, I believe there is something to be said about the courage needed to act on her dreams.

For those of us who are Christ-followers, we often avoid doing or saying certain things because we are afraid that we will be pushed down or judged. We often don’t seriously consider the weight of our decisions and the impact it can have on the lives of those around us. One small moment of doubt can have an impact on whether someone learns about God or not; on whether someone accepts Christ or not; on whether someone lives—or dies. I think this play can teach us to be brave enough to take action for what we believe in and hold unto

I hope as you watch this show, you are encouraged to look up into the starry sky which reﬂects the possibilities of our dreams. Dreams that can be accomplished, if only we have the courage to pursue them steadfastly. I hope for you to leave with these in mind: How important are my dreams? How much am I willing to sacriﬁce for what I believe in? Even if I’m not recognized for my hard work, is it still worth it?

YOU BELONG TO THE STARS - BY CHENOA J.O. SIMMONDS

To get to the stars you have to leave the warmth of your home, where everything is predictable and comfortable the only place you’ve ever known. You belong to the stars.

You gaze upwards to the skies willing them to join you in your cottage below Yet they twinkle deﬁantly in the sky -passing by just close enough to beckon you And just far enough to capture you heart.

You belong to the stars But only know the earth. The journey looks so cold and far, If you ﬂy up there... you’ll have to leave the warmth of your sheets. If you stay here you’ll always wonder

C A S T L I S T

Henrietta Leavitt.

Margaret Leavitt

Annie Cannon

Williamina Fleming

Peter Shaw

Understudy

P RODUCT I O N

Director.

Stage Manager.

Scenic Design/TD/Intimacy.

Costume Design.

Lights/Sound.

Hair/Makeup.

Props.

Additional Music.

Marketing.

Katie Schloemer

Abigail Burton

Esther Gilliam

Anna Blower

Jaykob Parsons

Meredith Hays Ali Boice

Chenoa Simmonds

Lily Thieszen

Lindsay Rice

Tricia Alberson

Steve Wood

Katie Schloemer

Ali Boice/Lindsay Rice

Noah Buron, Grace O’Donnell

Eden Schwartz, Jaykob Parsons, Abigail Burton, Ali Boice

Special thanks to Ben Yin

The play takes place in the early twentieth century, the Harvard Observatory, Massachusetts, and Leavitt homestead, Wisconsin. There will be a 10-min intermission. Please reframe from distracting actors and audience with photography and recording.

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