Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky is a moving, magical look at the story of Henrietta Leavitt, an early twentieth century astronomer whose discovery of how to effectively measure vast astronomical distances led to a shift in the understanding of the scale and nature of the universe. Directed by Susan Stroupe, Silent Sky, will run January 30-February 14, 2026. 

Perisphere Co-Artistic Director Lizzi Albert will play the role of Henrietta Leavitt. Lizzi is a director, actor, and teaching artist who directed Perisphere’s 2023 production of Hazardous Materials, by Beth Kander. Other directing credits include This Historic Night (Seed Productions/Capital Fringe 2018), A Christmas Carol and The Tempest(Chesapeake Shakespeare Company), and an all-female Macbeth (Notre Dame of Maryland University). Acting credits include Avant Bards’ Julius Caesar, Constellation Theater Company’s Absolutely! Perhaps, and several productions with Chesapeake Shakespeare, where she is a company member. Lizzi is interested in creating intimate, expressive, psychologically insightful theater that allows audiences to both see their own experiences reflected on stage and be inspired to seek out new ones. She holds an M.A. in acting from the University of Essex and a BFA in theater from New York University.

*Note: Tickets purchased in person at the box office will incur an additional $2 service fee added to the prices listed online.

Director, Lizzi Albert

Lizzi Albert is a director, actor, and teaching artist who directed Perisphere’s 2023 production of Hazardous Materials, by Beth Kander. Other directing credits include This Historic Night (Seed Productions/Capital Fringe 2018), A Christmas Carol and The Tempest(Chesapeake Shakespeare Company), and an all-female Macbeth (Notre Dame of Maryland University). Acting credits include Avant Bards’ Julius Caesar, Constellation Theater Company’s Absolutely! Perhaps, and several productions with Chesapeake Shakespeare, where she is a company member. Lizzi is interested in creating intimate, expressive, psychologically insightful theater that allows audiences to both see their own experiences reflected on stage and be inspired to seek out new ones. She holds an M.A. in acting from the University of Essex and a BFA in theater from New York University.

Playwright, Joel Gross www.joelgross.com

Joel Gross’ ten published novels include THE BOOKS OF RACHEL.His play, MARIE ANTOINETTE: THE COLOR OF FLESH, is published by Dramatists Play Service. Joel has worked on films for Fox, Universal, Sony, and HBO. Joel has an M.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University, and is a member of P.E.N., the Dramatists Guild, the Writers Guild, and the Authors Guild.

Joel’s screenplay of The Color of Flesh is set to be directed by Jon Amiel (SOMMERSBY, ENTRAPMENT, CREATION)  in Europe in 2025.

Joel’s play, Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh, was given its first public reading in New York, with Julia Roberts, Elisabeth Shue, and Stephen Lang in the cast. Subsequently, the play was developed at PKE in Los Angeles, with the help of its artistic director, Dan Lauria. Bob Kalfin directed the play at the New Jersey Rep (its world premiere), and later directed its New York debut. The Color of Flesh continues to be staged around the country since its 2008 off-Broadway production. Winner of “Best Play” for Spotlight Awards 2015, it has also been staged in Canada and Australia, and has been translated into Spanish, French, and Polish. To read selected reviews of the play, please click on the links below.

“The sweep of a historical novel….real events swirl outside, while inside at Versailles, emotions swirl just as vigorously around a triangle of love and friendship… Explores issues of class, many of them sounding quite contemporary, while creating a touching story of love.” Neil Genzlinger, THE NEW YORK TIMES

Meet the Cast and Creative Team

Join us for our Special Events!

Thursday, June 5, 8:00pm: PWYC Preview. Donations will be accepted at the door (cash preferred) for anyone interested in watching our final rehearsal of the show. We will be putting finishing touches on the show and invite the public to watch this exciting end to our process.

Friday, June 6, 8:00pm: OPENING NIGHT. There will be a reception following the performance. Join us for drinks, food, and a chance to mingle with the cast and production team!

Friday, June 13, 8:00pm: INDUSTRY NIGHT. Perisphere will host several invited guests from the industry and friends of the theatre at this performance. There will be a talkback following the performance with artists from the production moderated by Co-Artistic Director, Gerrad Alex Taylor. Join us as we take a more detailed look at the process of putting this play on its feet and celebrate everyone involved.

Saturday, June 14, 8:00pm: PRIDE NIGHT. Perisphere will celebrate Pride Month in the DMV with a performance dedicated to holding space for our queer communities. Following the performance will be a talkback with director, Lizzi Albert, moderated by our Board Member, Jana Doughty, exploring how the play’s themes reflect and challenge today’s constructs of gender, sexuality, and societal control. Stick around after the talkback for a free Pride Month raffle!

Thursday, June 19, 7:30pm: 🖤 Honoring JUNETEENTH at Perisphere Theater 🖤

On June 19, Perisphere Theater will acknowledge Juneteenth by donating 50% of ticket proceeds from Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh to Hope for Haiti (https://hopeforhaiti.com/)

The French Revolution—central to our play—ignited revolutionary movements across the globe, including the Haitian Revolution, a powerful fight for freedom led by enslaved Black people. On Juneteenth, we honor that legacy and stand in solidarity with Black and Caribbean communities by supporting ongoing efforts for equity and empowerment. Join us in celebrating liberation through art, history, and action. Tell your friends that their ticket purchase for the Juneteenth performance goes to support this cause.