Jonathan Kind and Autumn Thiellesen perform in “Silent Sky” as Peter Shaw and Henrietta Leavitt.

Jonathan Kind and Autumn Thiellesen perform in “Silent Sky” as Peter Shaw and Henrietta Leavitt.

Photo by Bureau Detroit


‘Silent Sky’ tells story of Henrietta Leavitt

By: Taylor Christensen | Royal Oak Review | Published April 28, 2024

Advertisement

ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters at the Baldwin Theatre will put on a production of “Silent Sky” May 3-12 on the second stage.

“Silent Sky” is based on the true story of early 20th century female “computers” at Harvard University, according to a press release.

The story surrounds the life of Henrietta Leavitt as she explores her love for the stars, and her journey mapping distant stars in galaxies far from our own.

Set in the year 1900, Leavitt struggles to make her name known among her male peers. “In this exquisite blend of science, history, family ties, and fragile love, ‘Silent Sky’ tenderly reminds us of what makes life under the vast sky so beautiful and timeless,” the Stagecrafters press release states.

Leavitt’s work in the 20th century changed how the world views women, and laid the foundation for much of modern astronomy, the press release states.

Director John Rutherford believes that this story is one that will continue to inspire.

“I am a lover of history and how people have existed in our world and have made a major impact, but are often neglected or simply unknown. Henrietta Leavitt is one of those people,” Rutherford said.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Baldwin Theatre box office or online at stagecrafters.org. For more information, call (248) 541-6430.

Advertisement