Silent Sky at Opal Theater co.

Or: Mighty Oaks

In Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky, the lovely and lovely crafted of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt (Tiera Thompson). Gunderson’s dialog is sharp, flitting between Henri and her coworkers, her sister Margie (Caitlin Hartshorn) and sometimes-boss-sometimes-suitor Peter Shaw (David Kepner), each glittering with humor and affection. Gathering to itself a mighty span of years and great swaths of science, it is a perfect play for those who favor sweetness and edification in their drama.

As the irrepressible Leavitt, Thompson capably handles her characters miles-a-minute thought process; as well as bringing an extra tartness to her displeasure to Kepner’s Shaw (wonderfully waxy), or helplessness in the face of her sister’s distress (Hartshorn’s brittle consternation, leveled by a sweet temperament brings the sufferings of the Leavitt family to life), or giddiness at being able to glance her celestial paradise (the happy dances composed by her and director Josh Ripply are a nice touch). We also are treated to the marvelous marvelous comedy team of Willamina Fleming (Tracy Sunderland) and Annie Cannon (Jodeen Revere), Henri’s computorian colleagues. Revere winds up the jokes like an elegant pitcher and Sunderland hits them out of the park.

In its discussion of mighty oaks, how small long hard labor, socially and scientifically, pushes all of humanity higher and grander, Silent Sky is pongees reminder to be forthright in the name of justice, steadfast to our callings, and always to keep an eye turned heavenward, so that we may be moved by wonder.