St. Norbert College Theatre Announces the Spring Production of Silent Sky

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From St. Norbert College, April 9, 2024
by Lily Maier, lily.maier@snc.edu, 920-403-3048

The St. Norbert College Theatre program will present Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson based on the life of Henrietta Leavitt, beginning Friday, April 12 and running through Saturday, April 20, in the Webb Theatre, Abbot Penning’s Hall of Fine Arts on the St. Norbert College campus. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. except for one matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she is not 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.” 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, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society, 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 the Earth.

The production is directed by professor of theatre studies, Stephen Rupsch. Associate professor of theatre and director of theatre studies, produced by scenographer April Beiswenger and technical direction by Bethany Naylor.

Students in the cast and crew include: Cassidy Catalano (Appleton, Wis.), Alexis Corrigan (Denmark, Wis.), Samantha Czekala (Manitowoc, Wis.), Emmanuel Fernandez (Chicago, Ill.), Eliza Griffey (Mishicot, Wis.), Violet Hagen (Lac Du Flambeau, Wis.), Sophia Johnson (Germantown, Wis.), Sophie Lorbiecki (Rosholt, Wis.), Katherine Martinez (Sun Prairie, Wis.), Faith Miller (Antioch, Ill.), Will Mlenar (Greendale, Wis.), Anastasia Ramirez (Schaumburg, Ill.), Naina Rattu (Green Bay, Wis.), Kit Sanders-Mikkelson (Onalaska, Wis.), Jacqueline Stumpf (Superior, Wis.), Olivia Waschbisch (Oconto Falls, Wis.), Robin Wiley (Appleton, Wis.).

Tickets are on sale now. Advance prices are $15 for adults and $5 for students. To purchase tickets online, visit https://www.tickets.snc.edu. This production contains adult situations.

For more information, contact the St. Norbert College ticket office at (920) 403-3950, or visit https://www.snc.edu/performingarts.