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In this article, Be talks about GPHS Theatre's upcoming play Silent Sky.
SIlent SKy
SIlent SKy
By: Be Bretko
By: Be Bretko
Come join us as we “skip star to star across the deepest space.” Silent Sky, written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Denise Baker, is coming to the Grants Pass High School theatre stage from Mar. 6–15, 2026. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Mar. 6, 7, 13, and 14 and at 2 p.m. on Mar. 8 and 15. Grab your tickets now and experience a night of astronomy, discovery, and storytelling you will not want to miss.
Silent Sky follows the real story of Henrietta Leavitt. When she began working at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she was not allowed to touch a telescope or share her own ideas. Instead, she joined a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a well‑known astronomer who measured projects in “girl hours” and had little interest in their theories.
In her spare time, Henrietta worked to measure the light and distance of stars, all while trying to make sense of her own life on Earth. She had to balance her dedication to science with family responsibilities and the possibility of love. Her discoveries ended up changing astronomy forever, even though she was not given the credit she deserved in her lifetime.
Image from GPHS Theatres Website
SIlent Sky, the story of 19th‑century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, highlights what it meant to be a woman in science during a time of huge discoveries, when women’s ideas were often ignored until men claimed them. Social progress, much like scientific progress, can be hard to recognize when a person is caught up in everyday obstacles. Henrietta and the women who worked alongside her believed in both, and their determination changed the way humans understand the heavens and our place here on Earth.
Image From GPHS Theatres Instagram
Silent Sky will be directed by Denise Baker, with support from Julia Cuppy, Director of Theatre at GPHS, and Tianna Eddy, Theatre Producer at GPHS. Monica McFadden will serve as Production Stage Manager. The production team also includes Wayd Drake as Technical Director, Ruth Sears as Costume Designer, Andrew Eddy as Lighting Designer, and Daniel Reynolds as Student Stage Manager. The cast features Olivia Glover as Henrietta Leavitt, Eden Geier as Margaret Leavitt, Merrick Wilson as Peter Shaw, Alodia Sheehan as Annie Cannon, and Olivia Barber as Williamina Fleming.
The GPHS understudy team will also take the spotlight on Thurs., Mar. 12, at 7 PM. Our three understudies will have the chance to bring their talent to the Performing Arts Center stage in a free performance for a supportive audience. The Understudy Cast includes Be Bretko as Henrietta Leavitt, Aidan Unruh as Peter Shaw, and Arabelle Dyson as Annie Cannon.
Image From GPHS Theatres Instagram
Merrick Wilson, a senior at GPHS, takes on the role of Peter Shaw with a mix of humor and heart. His favorite line in the show is, “I’ve learned just to not argue with women”, a moment that captures Peter’s charm and the show’s playful honesty. Working on Silent Sky has taught him what he calls the true essence of theatre. For him, it is not just about playing a character; it is about fully stepping into the world of the story and believing in it. He has also gained a deep appreciation for the groundbreaking work of the women at the Harvard Observatory and the discoveries that shaped our understanding of the universe. When asked why people should see the show, he said that, in a world that is constantly changing, it is important to recognize the people who helped get us here. Silent Sky offers that perspective. It is passionate, historically rich, and true to its time-- from the set and costumes to the way the characters speak. It is a chance to learn, to feel, and to experience the wonder of how we first began to understand the stars.
Olivia Glover, a senior at GPHS, takes on the role of Henrietta Leavitt. She thinks people should see this show because it tells a beautiful true story that not many people know about. It shows the contributions and discoveries of women in science and that one person’s dedication can change how we see the universe. It’s also a relatable story, with themes of family and love and trying to figure out where we belong. It tells the story of voices that are overlooked and reminds us how many contributions throughout history are unrecognized. Henrietta’s struggle for that recognition reflects many conversations that happen today about equality and opportunities and whose stories really get told and whose stories do not.
Daniel Reynolds, a senior at GPHS and the stage manager for Silent Sky, says his favorite line in the show is: “I’m gonna shoot him”, a comedic line said by Annie Cannon that captures the wit of the play. Working on this production has taught him that real teamwork is all about trusting people to do their part and knowing that people do not have to carry everything alone. When asked why people should come see the show, he didn’t hesitate: “Come see the show for early‑1900s girlbosses and pretty piano tracks.”
Image From GPHS Theatres Instagram
Alodia Sheehan, a senior at GPHS, steps into the role of Annie Jump Cannon with a mix of humor and heart. Her favorite line in the show is: “Sweet boy, I’m going to shoot him,” a commedic line that perfectly captures Annie’s sharp wit when she gets upset with Peter for always coming around. Throughout this production, Sheehan says she has learned more star terminology than she ever imagined, and she has loved every second of it. When asked why people should see Silent Sky, she explained that it is a refreshing change from what the theatre department usually performs. This show highlights strengths that the program has not always had the chance to showcase. It blends comedy, drama, love, and friendship all in one story, making it a great choice for a date night or a family night out. According to Sheehan, once you see it once, you’ll definitely want to come back.
Join us for a night of astronomy and storytelling in the most gorgeous universe we know. This show is a reminder that time is fleeting and that moments matter because, as Silent Sky proves, you only have today. Do not miss the chance to experience it with us. Get your tickets now!
Sources:
Sources:
Interview With Alodia Sheehan
Interview With Daniel Reynolds
Interview With Merrick Wilson
Interview With Olivia Glover
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