Silent Sky Program
Welcome
from Executive Director Lacey Schirmers
Greetings! I am thrilled to welcome you to GREAT Theatre’s production of Silent Sky at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre. Featuring state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and sound in an adaptable and flexible space, each experience in the lab is unique and brings audiences closer to the story being told. For Silent Sky, we have transformed it into the Harvard Observatory – where the groundbreaking discoveries of 19th century astronomer Henrietta Levitt took place.
Leavitt’s observations and calculations led her to develop a new way to measure distance between the stars and understand our (relatively small) place in the universe. This was a decade before women could vote and during a time of immense scientific discoveries. Although not credited at the time, it’s through her work that astronomers learned that our solar system is not the center of the universe, that galaxies exist beyond our own, and that our universe is expanding. So tonight, and each night during this Women’s History Month, when you look up at the stars, think of the women who transformed the science of astronomy and celebrate and honor their determination, passion, and sacrifice.
I also invite you to be part of our 2024/25 season! Selected with consideration from over 1200 season subscribers, volunteer actors, GREAT’s script reading committee, staff, and board of directors (and, what we could get the rights to) – next season includes blockbuster musicals and thought-provoking plays that will entertain and inspire audiences. Did you know you save up to 30% when you become a GREAT season subscriber? Just pick 3 or more shows to subscribe and save!
Beyond what you see on stage, the process of creating theatre is an art that develops collaboration, creativity, confidence, and meaningful connections for hundreds of artists, participants, and volunteers that bring these stories to life. And, it’s through our education outreach programming that many youth are introduced to theatre developing empathy, leadership skills, and self-discovery that will have a lasting impact for years to come. Collectively, this enriches lives and builds a more vibrant community. As a nonprofit community theatre, we produce theatre experiences with and for the community and it’s all made possible by the generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure of our volunteers, donors, and sponsors. Thank you for supporting the arts by attending today and being part of our story. Enjoy the show!
Director’s Note
From researching the lives of astronomers Henrietta Leavitt, Annie Jump Cannon, and Williamina Fleming to discussing ways to create stars in our theatre, it has been an absolute delight to dive into the world of Silent Sky. The story of these incredible women; the beautiful language of the script; the thriving coexistence of religion, art, and science; and the wonder of the universe are all worth exploring time and again.
Henrietta poses age-old questions as she ponders who, what, and where we are. From the little moments of a day to the complex questions of a lifetime, we continue to push, explore, and feel, seeking connection and contemplating our place in time and space. The enormity of the questions and the vastness of the universe can be overwhelming, but we are reminded: “. . . The real point . . . is seeing something bigger. And knowing we’re a small part of it, if we’re lucky. In the end, that is a life well-lived.”
Hearts and stars. May we all look up and continue to wonder.
Kendra Norton Dando
Director of Silent Sky
Silent Sky
by Lauren Gunderson
Commissioned and first produced by South Coast Repertory with support from the Elizabeth George Foundation.
SILENT SKY is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
Original Music by Jenny Giering
Lauren is one of the most produced playwrights in America since 2015 topping the list thrice including 2022/23. She is a two-time winner of the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for I and You and The Book of Will, the winner of the Lanford Wilson Award and the Otis Guernsey New Voices Award, a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and John Gassner Award for Playwriting, and a recipient of the Mellon Foundation’s Residency with Marin Theatre Company. She studied Southern Literature and Drama at Emory University, and Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School where she was a Reynolds Fellow in Social Entrepreneurship. Her play The Catastrophist, about her husband virologist Nathan Wolfe, premiered digitally in January 2021. She co-authored the Miss Bennet plays with Margot Melcon, and The Half-Life of Marie Curie premiered off-Broadway and at Audible.com. Her work is published at Playscripts (I and You; Exit Pursued By A Bear; The Taming and Toil And Trouble), Dramatists Play Service (The Revolutionists; The Book of Will; Silent Sky; Bauer, Natural Shocks, The Wickhams and Miss Bennet) and Samuel French (Emilie). Her picture book Dr Wonderful: Blast Off to the Moon is available from Two Lions/Amazon. She is the book writer for musicals with Ari Afsar (Jeannette), Dave Stewart and Joss Stone (The Time Traveller’s Wife), Joriah Kwamé (Sinister), Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk (Justice and Earthrise), and Kira Stone (Built for This). She is a board member of The Playwrights Foundation. LaurenGunderson.com
Cast List
KRISTIN STANG – Henrietta Leavitt
JESSICA SCHERER – Annie Cannon
SUSAN SCHLEPER – Williamina Fleming
MOLLY MCALISTER – Margaret Leavitt
BURKE TAGNEY – Peter Shaw
ALYSSA ZACZEK – U/S Henrietta Leavitt
VALERIE VEDDER – U/S Annie Cannon
MARIJKE GROAT – U/S Williamina Fleming
TALITHA KOPP – U/S Margaret Leavitt
Crew
ELLIOT CHRISTEN – Wardrobe Crew
GIACOMO GORI – Wardrobe Crew
Cast and Crew
Elliot Christen
Crew
Elliot Christen (Wardrobe Crew) is a Journeyman Electrician for Melrose Electric. He likes spending time with his family and his girlfriend Talitha, adventuring outdoors, and cooking. Elliot has been in shows like Oklahoma, Midsummer Nights Dream, and Strange Boarders. For Elliot, volunteering for crew was a way to try something new!
Giacomo Gori
Crew
Giacomo Gori (Wardrobe Crew) is a Senior at Tech High School. In his free time, he likes volunteering, cooking, and singing. Giacomo has been in shows including KAOS, Non ti Fidar di una Nuvoletta, MSM, and more. Giacomo has become involved with theatre during his foreign exchange year here in St. Cloud, and he’s excited to continue his theatre streak with Silent Sky.
Marijke Groat
Volunteer Actor
Marijke Groat (Understudy Williamina Fleming) is a Developer at Stoneridge Software. She enjoys singing, running, and spending time with her cat! Marijke has been in GREAT shows like Little Women, and most recently The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. She is most excited to join in the process of developing the characters and bringing the story to life!
Talitha Kopp
Volunteer Actor
Talitha Kopp (Understudy Margaret Leavitt) is a Behavior Instructional Paraeducator at Tech High School. When she’s not on stage, Talitha enjoys reading a good book, watching movies, and dressing up for Renaissance Festivals. She has been in GREAT shows like The Hobbit, Murder on the Orient Express, and now Silent Sky!
Molly McAlister
Volunteer Actor
Molly McAlister (Margaret Leavitt) is the Assistant Director of Admission for International & Boarding at Saint John’s Prep. She’s been in shows like Laramie Project, Shrek, and High School Musical. When she’s not on stage, Molly enjoys dancing, beading, yoga, and traveling. She is excited to take the stage in Silent Sky as this show encourages the audience to not necessarily find all of the answers, but create meaning by being curious and connecting with others.
Jessica Scherer
Volunteer Actor
Jessica Scherer (Annie Cannon) is an Operations Service Professional at Cetera Investment Services. She enjoys agate hunting, garage sales, karaoke, and making people laugh. Jessica’s been in shows like Beauty and the Beast, Descendants, and Grease.
Susan Schleper
Volunteer Actor
Susan Schleper (Williamina Fleming) is a Health Science Librarian at CentraCare. She has been in shows like Little Women, Sound of Music, and now Silent Sky! She enjoys yoga, watching movies, and British murder mysteries. Susan is excited to bring this story to life and share with audiences the contributions of women during pivotal points in history.
Kristin Stang
Volunteer Actor
Kristin Stang (Henrietta Leavitt) Private Voice Instructor and was the Director of Children’s Theatre productions (most recently in Oklahoma City). When not on stage, Kristin is busy writing, traveling, and spending time with her pups. She was born & raised in St. Augusta, MN and after attending school in NYC, she moved to Oklahoma City. After 13 years, she’s back and on stage in Silent Sky.
Burke Tagney
Volunteer Actor
Burke Tagney (Peter Shaw) is an IT Coordinator at Midwest Financial Partners. He enjoys attending as many concerts as possible, watching all of the horror movies, attending baseball games and gawking at expensive cars. He was encouraged to audition on a whim, as he has not been in a show since college over a decade ago. Silent Sky is Burke’s GREAT debut!
Valerie Vedder
Volunteer Actor
Valerie Vedder (Understudy Annie Cannon) is a Freelance American Sign Language Interpreter. She enjoys listening to music, dancing, and getting coffee with friends! She’s been in shows like The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and Fooling Around With Infinity. This is Valerie’s first show back in 20 years, and she is excited to be involved in theatre again!
Alyssa Zaczek
Volunteer Actor
Alyssa Zaczek (Understudy Henrietta Leavitt) is a published novelist and playwright. Alyssa enjoys reading and writing, art and painting, and spending time with her fiance and pets. She’s been in GREAT shows like Guys and Dolls, White Christmas, and Cinderella. A large part of Alyssa’s enthusiasm for Silent Sky comes from the impact of Henrietta’s discoveries and the story that portrays an ambitious astronomer who happened to be Deaf.
The true story of one woman’s quest to find her place in the universe
A decade before women could vote and during a time of immense scientific discoveries, 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt wasn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea when she began work at the Harvard Observatory. In her free time, she measured the light and distance of stars and made important discoveries about their fluctuating brightness – ultimately enabling fellow scientists to map the Milky Way and beyond. This inspiring drama explores the determination, passion and sacrifice of the women who transformed the science of astronomy and redefined our understanding of the cosmos.
This production is approximately an hour and a forty five minutes with a fifteen minute intermission.
Henrietta Leavitt, born in Massachusetts in 1868, grew up in Ohio and Wisconsin before attending Radcliffe College in Massachusetts. Despite health challenges, she made important contributions to astronomy as a “computer” at the Harvard Observatory, where she studied variable stars and developed Leavitt’s Laws. Though recognition came posthumously, her discoveries heavily influenced the work of Edwin Hubble and contributed to significant scientific advancements, changing human understanding of the universe.
Born in 1863, Annie Jump Cannon graduated Valedictorian from Wellesley College, studied astronomy at Radcliffe College, and joined the Harvard Observatory soon after. Cannon’s pioneering work in stellar spectroscopy led to the development of the spectral classification system, which remains fundamental in astronomy education, earning her numerous accolades, including the Draper Gold Medal. Despite facing adversity, Cannon’s legacy endures, with her classification system still in use and her contributions celebrated through the Annie Jump Cannon Award for prominent female astronomers.
Williamina Fleming, born in 1857, emigrated to America at 21 and faced abandonment by her husband soon after. She found work at the Harvard Observatory, where her contributions included classifying stars and discovering nebulae. Although her recognition was often overshadowed, Fleming rose to leadership roles within the observatory, published numerous papers, and received awards for her significant contributions to astronomy.
Recommended Reading:
We began each rehearsal by taking a look at the Astronomy Picture of the Day and marvelling at the wonder of the universe: Astronomy Picture of the Day
Henrietta Leavitt’s Published Research Paper on Variable Stars
Harvard College Observatory History in Images
Harvard Observatory Archives – see facsimiles of Henrietta Leavitt’s notebooks.
Project PhaEDRA – a collection of over 2500 notebooks produced in the mid-to-late 19th and early 20th centuries by Women Astronomical Computers and astronomers at the Harvard College Observatory.
St. Cloud State Planetarium – learn more by visiting our local planetarium!
Production Team
KENDRA NORTON DANDO – Director
ALICE ENDO – Scenic & Lighting Designer
MARK HENNIGS – Technical Director
STEVE SANDERS – Sound Designer & Assistant Technical Director
KIERA GRAY – Sound Board Operator
ANTHONY SCHROCK – Scenic Carpenter
PAUL HOPPE – Scenic Carpenter
BONNIE BOLOGNA – Prop Designer & Scenic Painter
DANA SVENSSON – Costume Designer
JESSICA MANCINI – Costume Shop Staff
RISA ALLECI – Costume Shop Staff
ANITA REBER – Stage Manager
HOPE ABRAHAM – Assistant Stage Manager
JEANNA BORGERDING – ASL Interpreter
ELLEN REBER – ASL Interpreter
THANK YOU!
Special thanks to the St. Cloud State University Planetarium and professors Dave Williams and Rachel Humphrey.
And a special thank you to Jerry Whitley of Whitley Electric.
GREAT is thankful for the generosity of our donors whose annual support bridges the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of producing high quality shows, camps, and education outreach programming to ensure everyone in central Minnesota has access to the transformative power of the arts. Gifts of all sizes collectively make a big impact. Thank you.
VOLUNTEERS 2023/24
Micah Alm
Jonah Alm
Neva Andersen
Loretta Anderson
Kyle Anderson
Marianne Arnzen
Angela Aronson
Hope Aronson
Katherine Austad
Donna Balaski
Reese Balaski
Kalli Balken
Jordon Barker
Jill Barrett Vardsveen
Daniel Barth
Vicki Baston
Isabel Becker
Lori Becker
Mike Becker
Kadence Becker
Julie Bell
Nick Benner
Pamela Benson-Moberg
Christina Binder
Sylva Bohannon
Kathy Bokovoy
Bonnie Bologna
Steve Bologna
Devon Bowker
Terri Boysen
Emily (Caspian) Brack
Anna Bregier
Mark Brennan
Alissa Brickman
JoAnn Brisse
Riley Brookshire
Nyra Brown
Sarah Brown
Anthony Brown
Lisa Brownstein
Katie Bruender
Kristi Bryant
Derek Bryant
Alexander Buhl
Travis Bunkers
Breana Burggraff
Anna Bursch
Bradley Busse
Jordan Buysse
Carleena Byrd
Elam Byrd
Amanda Byrd
Varrsha Chenthuran
Katie Christensen
Kelsey Christensen
Mike Christensen
Amelia Clark
Lily Clemons
Ashleigh Cola
Kylee Crews
Bridget Deutz
Cameron DeVillers
Steven Dinndorf
Karen Dinndorf
Joanne Dorsher
Kaelyn Drayna
Charles Dressel
Carla Durand
John Ellis
Drew Elo
Alyssa Euteneuer
Mary Evens
Larisa Filippova
Max Finlayson
Alida Fischer
Jenny Forschen
Kimberly Foster
Madison Franzmeier
Liz Frerich
Carol Funk
Elsa Galler
Deb Galvez
Faith Georgewill
Lynnae Gilder
Ayden Giswold
Shelley Giswold
Sitarah Gjerme
Lori Glanz-Gambrino
Michael Gonzalez
Julie Goodner
Giacomo Gori
Keira Gray
Marijke Groat
Lucille Guinta-Bates
Lowell Haagenson
Tierney Hammer
Mike Hanks
Karen Hansen
Celena Hansen
Sabrina Hanson-Reiter
Erin Hartung
Paulette Hauge
Ellie Hayden
Jazz Haynes
Luca Heinen
Clara Heintzelman
Eddisyn Helmin
Charlotte Hendrickson
Tom Hergert
Susan Heysse
Mark Heysse
Eylee Hincher
Megan Hoelscher
Jacob Hoeschen
Maddison Hofer
Chari Hoffman
Chad Holien
Lydia Hollenhorst
John Hollermann
Paul Hoppe
Mitchell Hurrle
Renae Imholte
Amber Jacobson
Claudia Janku
Wayne Janku
Tim Johnson
Jacki Johnson
Roman Jordan
Daniel Joudieth
Sarah Justin
Lyn Kalis
Michael Kalpakoff
Kathleen Kampa
Denzel Kazeze
Alex Kelton
Madison Kessel
Joyce Kiehn
Peggy Killoren
Buddy King
Jeff Kirchoff
Sophie Kivel
Anna Knutlund
Kate Kompas
Talitha Kopp
Elizabeth Kothman
Mackenzie Krueger
Chris Kudrna
Miles Larson
Sophie Lathe
Ronda Latterell
Andrea Leafblad
Allison Legg
Jonathan Legg
Jimm Legg
Karen Legg
Penelope Legg
Debra Leigh
Shawn Leslie
Alvina Lieser
Grace Lindell
MeiLe Linn
Jan Lochner
Carolyn Lopez
Michelle Lortz
Matthew Luczak
Nate Lundstrum
Kelly Macauley
Marie (MJ) Macauley
Jean Macauley
Annette Majerus
Luis Maldonado
Rachel Marcinek
Mark Martin
Camille Matheny
Molly McAlister
Anne McCarney
Marie (Annette) McConnell
Alycia McLean
Tanieya McLean
Patrick Mcneal
Christopher Enrique Mendez
Anna Mercedes
Nele Mersch
Ellis Meyer
Olivia Meyer
Cassie Miles
Aaron Miller
Diane Miller
Isaac Miller
Joel Miron
Adelaide Miron
Donna Moore
Henry Moore
Sheri Moran
Aric Moriak
Mike Moriak
Del Morrison
Karen Mowers
Roxanne Muehlbauer
Lisa Mullen
Ivy Mulqueen
Megan Myers
Walter Napiorkowski
Tami Naslund
Lance Nathan
Izzy Neisen
Kelly Neisen
Diane Nicholson
Amanda Niemeyer
Ava Nkam
Michael Norberg
Colin Nord
Jane Norman
Luci Novak
Jonathan Noyes
Betty Nystrom
Chad O’Brien
Maddy Oliveira
Brittany Olson
Mary Cheryl Opatz
Abigail Overby
Steven Palmer
Emily Penrod
Adam Pesch
Melissa Peterson
Nelia Peterson
Rebekah Phifer
Mary Phillips
Sally Pitzen
Linda Plamann
Ron Plamann
Mabel Plzak
Jackie Popp
Lori Potter
Sam Pounds
Janet Reagan
Anita Reber
Luke Reber
Mark Reber
James Reichow
Theo Reisinger
Elizabeth Reisinger
Abby Reiter
Jessica Reiter
Clare Richards
Kennedy Riffe
Shirley Ringhand
Denise Roed
Chloe Roed
Nicole Roehrl
Ally Roehrl
Danielle Rogers
Lori Roggenkamp
Joni Rone
Lee Rone
Helene Rosborough
Amy Roske
Pam Roske
Diane Ruegemer
Lori Ruff
Abdulaziz Said
Marc Sanderson
Martha Sanguma
Tim Savarese
Katie Schad
Doris Scharmer
Scott Scharmer
Jessica Scherer
Jason Schindler
Victoria Schindler
Lucy Schindler
Pamela Schirmers
Steve Schirmers
Tate Schlagel
Alex Schleper
Susan Schleper
Susan Schleper
Keegan Schmitt
Aryana Schneider
Renae Schneider
Abigail Schnobrich
Anthony Schrock
Mackenzi Schuft
Mitchell Schulte
Erica Scott
Kyle Seamans
Monica Segura-Schwartz
Bobbi Sells
Jake Sells
Matilda Shouse Tourino
Joey Siemieniak
Kenny Simon
DeDe Simon
Zavawn Smith
Patricia Soltis
Randy Soltis
Kristin Stang
Joseph Stanichar
Al Stark
Perian Stavrum
Grace Steinhofer
Ethan Stoeckel
Wendy Storkamp
Kevin Storkamp
Mara St Pierre
Vincent Strunk
Carol Stuckmayer
Beth Sueker
Isiah Svoboda
Laurie Swan
Willow Sweeney Flaherty
Steve Symanietz
Susan Symanietz
Joel Syvrud
Audrey Taatjes
Burke Tagney
Martina Talic
Alyssa Tasto
Linda G Tenneson
Cole Thomes
Heather Thomes
Emma Thoms-Warzecha
Andru Thornton
Megan Timm
Megan Timm
Bethany Tollefson
Lukas Tollefson
Ivanna Torres Segura
Matthew M Toumi
Christina Tourino
Matt Trombley
Khalil Uvero
Spencer Van Beck
Adela Vang
Steve Vardsveen
Valerie Vedder
Max Vetter
Charles Vilina
Erin Volker
Judy Vosen
Kendra Vossen
Betty Vossen
Theresa Vossen
Elaina Waggoner
Nicole Waggoner
Audrey Waggoner
Belle Waggoner
Cooper Wagner
Kelly Waid
Nihel Walz
Nhiam Walz
Maria Warhol
Paisley Watson
Hailee Weiman
Summer Welch
Kari Wendroth
Alana Wesenberg
Margot Whaley
Teyla Wheeler
Ezrie Wheeler
Ellie Wigham
JaeLyn Williams
Grayson Willman
Barb Wilmesmeier
Mireya Wolf
Haidak Wolfer
Brenda Wright
Kanthi Yalamanchi
Sofija Younglao Talic
Alyssa Zaczek
Audrey Zeiszler
Tanner Ziwicki
Diane Zoeller
David Zoeller
Be Part of the Story
Summer Theatre Camps
Season subscribers and donors get early access to camp registration!
MARCH 18: Camp schedule live on GREATtheatre.org
MARCH 27: Camps on sale
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NEW! GREAT Gala
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Regency and Paramount Center for the Arts
80’s prom party followed by a special performance of Footloose!
A fundraiser benefiting GREAT’s education and outreach programming for youth.
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