Possum Point Players’ ‘Silent Sky’ to open June 4

Possum Point Players will present “Silent Sky” Friday to Sunday, June 4-6 and June 11-13.

“Silent Sky” tells the true story of a pioneering woman astronomer who broke a sky-high glass ceiling as she pursued her love of studying and living her dream among the stars.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at possumpointplayers.org or by calling 302-856-4560. All seats are reserved and tickets are $22, or $20 for senior citizens and students. Shows are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and a special time of 6 p.m. on Sundays. The later start time for Sunday shows is to allow for cooler temperatures for the audience. This production is scheduled for the outdoor stage at Possum Hall, 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown.

Seating and other COVID-related protocols will be updated to reflect current state guidance at show times.

Rehoboth resident John Hulse directs "Silent Sky." Cast members are Steven Dow of Felton, Susannah Griffin of Rehoboth Beach, Elvira Panico of Seaford, Dover resident Gina Shuck and Long Neck resident Ashlie Workman.

"Silent Sky” is the biographical story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. The play follows her when in 1900, she has the opportunity to work at Harvard University as a human computer mapping the stars, but she is to receive no scientific credit for her work.

Even though she was told she could not use the world-recognized Harvard telescope, the Great Refractor, or do any sort of astronomical discovery, she persisted.

"Silent Sky" shows an age during which women did not pursue careers and accomplishments in fields of science and technology. An early battle in the struggle for equality in such professional scientific endeavors is vividly brought to life on stage. Leavitt’s determined study and work lead to a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy.

Along her rugged path to success, Leavitt’s relationships are strained by her obsessive work ethic. Her sister, female colleagues in the field of astronomy and even a man dedicated to loving her find themselves pushed aside in favor of Leavitt’s pursuit to solve a great cosmic mystery.

“Silent Sky” is produced through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Samuel French.