The stars of “Silent Sky,” which opened Friday at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, aren’t just the lead actors but the actual stars overhead, visible (weather permitting) through telescopes outside, provided by the Des Moines Astronomical Society.

The play tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. The time is 1901, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at the Harvard Observatory, mapping the stars but receiving no scientific credit. In the process, and in the midst of personal turmoil, she makes  a scientific discovery that has had a lasting impact on the field of astronomy. 

Shows continue through June 16. For more information, including showtimes and online ticket sales, click here.