Written by: Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Diane Pritchard
Actors' Studio Production
Presented in the William M. Staerkel Planetarium
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; balancing her dedication to science with family obligations, and the possibility of love. This 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.
Cast:
Henrietta- Sophie Accardo
Margaret- Spencer Baker
Peter- Braedon Arnett
Annie- Li Reichlin
Williamina- Macey Hamm
Understudies
Henrietta - Jera Sotero
Venue: William M. Staerkel Planetarium
7:30 pm Performances
March 7, 8, 9, 10
3 pm Performances
March 9, 10
Rating: Teen
Rated Teen for adult language and adult content
Tickets: All Tickets $20
All Parkland Theatre tickets must be purchased either in advance online or from the ticket booth at the time of the performance; ticket reservations will no longer be accepted. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. For more information, visit Tickets.
Opportunities to attend callbacks with the cast and crew as well as Science Lectures will be available. More information to be announced in February 2024.