by Lorie Lewis Ham

This past weekend the play Silent Sky, written by Lauren Gunderson, opened at 2nd Space Theatre in Fresno, presented by Good Company Players. It has a small cast, and a simple set, but the story is anything but simple.

According to Lauren Gunderson’s website, Silent Sky is the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt as she explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific and heart-bound discoveries. With music and math bursting forth onstage, Henrietta and her female peers change the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

Cast of GCP’s production of “Silent Sky”

Set during the years of 1890 to 1920 we start off with Henrietta arguing with her sister about leaving home for a dream job at the Harvard Observatory—her sister wants her to stay home but Henrietta is determined to go. However, once there, she is disappointed to discover that a woman’s place is not doing the research with the men, and not being allowed to use the telescope. But she makes the best of her position and is determined to still make a difference, and she makes a huge one! This is a story of women’s rights with an amazing real life woman of science at its center and it is truly inspiring! The timing of this production is perfect as we are at a time when women’s rights are once again being threatened.

Henrietta Leavitt (Jessica Rose Knotts) and Margaret Leavitt (Erin Brown) in GCP’s production of “Silent Sky”

A romance that didn’t actually happen is added to the story, but the rest is true. The talented cast does an amazing job of bringing this incredible story to life. Jessica Rose Knotts as Henrietta does a brilliant job as always and has you routing for Henrietta every step of the way. Terry Lewis, as the only man in the cast, plays the awkward and shy love interest, Peter Shaw, perfectly. Erin Brown is sweet as the younger sister, Margaret, and has a lovely voice (her passion is music and she sings at their father’s church)–despite looking at life very differently, the sisters love each other deeply and you can feel that. The other two women working at the observatory are played by Valerie Munoz and Aurora Nibley with humor, charm, and spunk.

Annie Cannon (Valerie Munoz) and Peter Shaw (Terry Lewis)

If you are looking for something inspiring and women centered, you have a love of the stars and astronomy, or just enjoy good theatre, do not miss Silent Sky! Kudos to Laurie Pessano for putting all the pieces together beautifully and to the very talented cast for bringing this important story to life!

Silent Sky is on stage at 2nd Space through June 22. The 2nd Space Theatre is at 928 E. Olive Ave, Fresno. For tickets and further information, contact gcplayers.com, or call (559) 266-9494.

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!