PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
BETWEEN SISTERS … Cailynn Young, as Margaret Leavitt, reads a handwritten letter shared between the sisters.
REACHING FOR THE STARS — From left, Crystal Rose Bowers (Williamina Fleming), Zara McNalley (Henrietta Leavitt), Cailynn Young (Margret Leavitt) and Jodi McAfee (Annie Cannon) share a moment on stage as the story comes to a close.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Community Theatre traveled to the stars this weekend with its production of Silent Sky, a heartfelt and quietly powerful play centered around real-life astronomer Henrietta Leavitt.
Written by acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson, Silent Sky follows Henrietta Leavitt’s journey from a small Wisconsin home to the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, where women were allowed to study stars — but not operate telescopes or receive equal recognition for their work.
The production balances science, humor, emotion, and humanity in a way that makes the story accessible even to audience members who may know little about astronomy going in.
The play focuses on Henrietta’s determination to carve out her own place in a time that often underestimated women’s intelligence and ambition.
Along the way, the story explores family expectations, friendship, sacrifice, discovery, and the overwhelming beauty of realizing just how vast the universe really is.
The five-person cast carried the production with strong chemistry and emotional depth throughout the evening.
As Henrietta Leavitt, Zara McNalley delivered a thoughtful and grounded performance that anchored the show from beginning to end.
McNalley captured Henrietta’s intelligence, curiosity, and not-so-quiet determination while also bringing warmth to the role.
Cailynn Young shone as Margaret Leavitt, Henrietta’s sister, bringing emotional balance and heart to the production. Young also impressed audiences musically, showcasing both her singing voice and piano skills in moments that added another layer of intimacy and charm to the performance.
Ryan Bidlack brought charisma and energy to the role of Peter Shaw, helping provide some of the production’s lighter and more romantic moments while maintaining strong chemistry with the cast throughout the evening.
Jodi McAfee delivered a confident and engaging performance as famed astronomer Annie Cannon. Her scenes added both humor and momentum to the story as the audience watched her character arc grow.
Meanwhile, Crystal Rose Bowers nearly stole the show as Williamina Fleming. Bowers brought impeccable comedic timing with an unforgettable personality to the role, consistently drawing laughter from the audience.
Her performance added a lively spark to the production and helped balance the play’s more emotional and reflective moments.
Behind the scenes, director Mary Beth Snider and the production crew crafted a simple but effective presentation that allowed the story itself to remain front and center.
Though Silent Sky deals heavily in science and astronomy, the production never feels overwhelming or inaccessible.
At its core, it is a deeply human story — one about ambition, discovery, connection, and the people whose names history sometimes forgets, even when they helped change the world.
