Charting the Stars

Silent Sky

Gazing up into the rural Wisconsin sky, Henrietta Leavitt longed to know more about the stars, the planets and the entire universe. Not only did she succeed in her desire for enlightenment, but she became an early pioneer in the study of astronomy. In fact, filled with a passion for learning, Miss Leavitt was the one of the first women to be recognized in a male-dominated field dedicated to charting the stars.

Henrietta Leavitt lived more than a century ago. Although hearing-impaired, and despite society’s prejudice against women working in certain male-dominated fields, this curious and persistent young woman was accepted to work at Harvard University Observatory. There she became a “computer,” one of Professor Pickering’s several “harem” of women, whose task it was to map the skies from glass photographic plates. The women weren’t allowed to use the telescope because Harvard believed that only men were capable enough to use this highly-technical scientific instrument. But Henrietta’s passion for unlocking the mysteries of the universe propelled her to devote every waking moment to her scientific discovery.

Miss Leavitt worked side-by-side with two other talented women. Annie Cannon, a smart, strict suffragist, and Williamina Fleming, a spirited Scottish woman, originally hired as Pickering’s housekeeper, and ultimately enlisted as a clerical worker. While Annie starts out as rigid and hard-nosed, Henrietta’s infectious camaraderie is welcomed by Williamina and soon draws Miss Cannon into their sisterhood. When Henrietta first arrives she meets Peter Shaw, Professor Pickering’s right hand man. One of his jobs is to initiate Miss Leavitt into the limited tasks assigned to her. Eventually Shaw finds himself fascinated by and attracted to the brainy and bold young scientist. Between Henrietta’s career achievements, the audience meets her younger, musical sister, Margaret Leavitt. Through letters and interactions with her back in Wisconsin, we learn of Margie’s marriage, the birth of her son and of the illness of their elderly father. Margaret’s musical talent inadvertently becomes the key to Henrietta’s greatest scientific discovery.   

Taking some liberties with the few known facts about Henrietta Leavitt’s life, prolific playwright Lauren Gunderson’s 2015 biographical play is far more interesting, accessible, humorous and warmhearted than one would expect. Recognized as “America’s most produced living playwright,” Ms. Gunderson’s works are typically dominated by strong female characters (“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” “The Book of Will”) and paint a portrait of the beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement.

The very likable cast is led by talented Equity actress, Melissa Harlow as Henrietta Leavitt. From this charismatic actress’ first words, the audience falls in love with her character. Ms. Harlow gives a perfect, totally realistic portrayal of Henrietta in a performance that guides the entire production. Adam Thatcher demonstrates his gift for comedy as the shy, bumbling, tongue-tied Peter Shaw. Two members of Promethean Theatre Ensemble are costarring in this production. One of that theatre’s co-founders, Anne Lentino, keeps Annie Cannon properly Victorian and austere, while eventually allowing Henrietta’s enthusiasm and successes to gently crack that tough exterior. Cameron Feagin is delightfully deft and comically superb as Williamina Fleming, Henrietta’s affable Scottish co-worker. And Laura Michele Erle is beautiful and empathetic as Margaret Leavitt, demonstrating both her considerable acting talent, as well as a gift for singing and playing the piano.      

Chicago’s first, highly-received production of this delectable play was in 2017 at First Folio Theatre. Citadel’s stellar, Jeff-recommended production may even surpass it. Guided with so much love, elegance and skill by Beth Wolf (who helmed Citadel’s Jeff-nominated “Outside Mullingar”), this talented director creates an entertaining and moving memorial to an unsung scientific trailblazer. Henrietta Leavitt’s discovery in charting the stars enabled later scientists, like Edwin Hubble and Vesto Slipher, to stand on her shoulders and continue her work.  

Ms. Wolf’s production is supported by a staff of accomplished creative artists. They include Rachel Sypniewski’s historically accurate costumes and Trevor Dotson’s practical period scenic design, enhanced by Stephanie Senior’s sound and original music, as well as Joel Zishuk’s luminous lighting. Chris Owen’s dazzling celestial projections, made possible by the LED screens supplied by Pangaea Technology, contribute so much in making this one of Citadel Theatre’s finest productions. Much like the wonderful 2016 film, “Hidden Figures,” this dazzling show sheds light on the notable accomplishments and overlooked life story of one of the early 20th century’s foremost female astronomers.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 16-March 17 by Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-735-8554, x1, or by going to www.citadeltheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.