Decision Height Chronicles Women's Air Force Legacy

Diggit Dave Schroeder

The latest production coming to PACA, Decision Height is about a group of female Airforce service pilots during World War II. Director Lisa Simonian points out that the themes of sisterhood, empowerment, friendship, and love make this play relevant to any time period.

PREMIERING FRIDAY APR. 19

During World War II, a civilian organization called Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was established. These women were classified as non-military, civil service employees, but they played a key role in the success of the war by volunteering to fly planes, so as to free up men for combat roles. Their service was remarkable, many of them choosing to leave their homes and children to come to the aid of the country, back when most women lacked agency in deciding their life's direction.

Decision Height (which is an aeronautical term), was written by Meredith Dayna Levy in 2014 and shines a spotlight on these important women. Lisa Simonian, director of the local production of this play coming to PACA in April, feels like the stories of the WASP women are important to tell: "The women of Decision Height bond in a sisterhood to succeed, and they support each other through thick and thin. It is a wonderful story of empowerment, friendship, and love. I think these themes are forever relevant."

The play's cast and production team consists totally of women and Simonian is grateful that it came together so seamlessly. The assistant director for Decision Height is Gretchen Knapp, who is a recent transplant to the Erie theater scene, but who brings invaluable experience with her, having previously run her own production company in New York City. Simonian reflects, "This cast is amazing and each member fits their role perfectly. I find it hilarious that I managed to get a cast whose personalities match their characters. Many in the cast will be recognized by Erie theater audiences, with a few great new actors thrown in. This is an ensemble cast and the women are working so well together and bringing such a great vibe to the stage."

The WASP program was never fully recognized for its service during World War II as a military operation. In fact, it wasn't until 1977 that WASP service was officially designated as active duty and therefore entitled to veteran's benefits. Simonian is proud to enlighten audiences about the services of these women, "This is an incredible program that very few have heard about. I would strongly encourage folks to take a trip back to the 1940s and see this amazing piece for themselves."

Fridays and Saturdays through May 4 at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Apr. 25 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State St. // $20 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com