Silent Sky tells the story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose work went largely unnoticed during her lifetime

A local theater is launching a new production, “Silent Sky” to celebrate an unsung female astronomer.

Silent Sky, written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Pat Nims, tells the story of the 19th Century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose pioneering work in astronomy went largely unrecognized during her lifetime.

The play opens May 2 and runs through May 18 at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St, Vancouver.

This drama explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, highlighting how women’s ideas were often dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Leavitt’s journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

“Lauren Gunderson’s play is a beautiful tribute to Henrietta Leavitt and the countless women whose contributions to science have been overlooked,” Nims said. “We’re honored to bring this important story to life on the Magenta Theater stage.”

The cast includes Voni Kengla as Henrietta Leavitt, Emily Smith as Margaret Leavitt, Stephanie Crowley as Annie Jump Cannon, Shaye Eller as Willimina Fleming, Kai De Mello-Folsom as Peter Shaw, Jennifer Long as understudy Henrietta/Margaret, and Mindy Glass Condon Rees as understudy Annie/Williamina.

Advance tickets are $26 and are available now. For more information, contact Magenta Theater at 360-949-3098 or email: info@magentatheater.com

The play opens Friday, May 2 and 7:30 p.m. 

Other performances are:

• May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 4 at 2 p.m.
• May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 10 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 11 at 2 p.m.
• May 15 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• May 18 at 2 p.m.