Silent Sky

Postcard review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Silent Sky

Playwright – Lauren Gunderson

Production Company/Theatre space – (semi-professional) Fire Exit Theatre, Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons.

Length – 2 Acts, (2 hours, one intermission.)

Genre/s – Drama

Premise – A mathematician, who wants to be an astronomer, works night and day to solve the mysteries of the universe, helps to measure distance between stars, and struggles when credit for her work is denied by men.

Why this play? Why now? – This is one of the most popular plays in the past couple of years and this historic drama is family friendly.

Curiosities – I wondered, not for the first time, why Fire Exit uses the pricy Engineered Arts Theatre when there must be other spaces like the Glenmore Christian Academy Theatre I was at the night before. The run is so short - how to build a bigger audience that work of this caliber deserves?

Notable Moment – The telescope viewing.

Notable writing – Based on the real-life story of Henrietta Leavitt, this remarkable woman has inspired a few plays. Prolific playwright Gunderson, one of America’s most produced playwrights, has crafted a lovely piece. Gunderson has been touted as an “Arts meets Activism” writer. Here she has a crafted a feminist story that resonates with everyone. The best dramas make you laugh and cry; this script does both.

Notable performances – This show uses the talents of three college students, and they hold their own.  Playing real life mathematician, Kristin Iosifelis is sympathetic if not a little earnest. The actor that supports, but is a star, is Hannah Kerbes.

Notable design/Production – The set is designed fittingly in a circle on two levels with period William Morris wallpaper by Kacie Killaly. This show is a lighting designer’s dream. I knew other productions also included the audience in the final cue and I have to admit I was waiting for this, but it didn’t happen. Sound Designer Chris Stockton supports the script beautifully using music to

underscore some of the more poignant moments.

Notable direction – Director Karen Johnson-Diamond has done a fine job. Johnson-Diamond is also a talented actor and epic improviser (who led the company Dirty Laundry). Working with students is part of her nurturing reputation, possibly as a result of many years working with Artstrek and emerging improvisors in Dirty Laundry’s younger spin-off.

One reason to see this show – It sparkles with universal appeal and is refreshing from the rash of Mean Girls/Legally Blond like works that flood the market.