Play Synopsis
When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth. --Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Ticketing Information
Seating for this production is extremely limited. Please do not reserve any tickets that you're not confident you will use.
Online Reservations will close at 5pm on the day of the performance. After that time, patrons must come to the theatre in person (to reserve tickets or add their name to the waiting list).
Once tickets sell out, please use the Waitlist ticket option to request a seat. If tickets become avalible (either in advance or on the night of the performance), they will be released first to patrons with waitlist reservations. Though not guaranteed, seating will likely be available for those on the waitlist, so please come to the theater on the night of your waitlist reservation.
The house will open at 6:30pm. Please arrive at the theater by 6:50pm to ensure seating. After that time, all reservations will be released, and empty seats will be offered to patrons on the waitlist.
Parking
Parking is available in the WPI West Street Lot. More information about WPI's visitor parking policy can be found here.
COVID Safety Protocols
Audience members must wear a mask over their nose & mouth for the entire duration of the performance. Guests who do not comply with COVID-19 guidelines will be asked to leave. Actors will be unmasked during the performance, but will maintain 6 feet distance from the audience.
All non-WPI audience members must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the performance. Please look out for an email (sent 72 hours before the performance) with instructions for affirming your vaccination status or providing test results.