The world premiere of rock musical Galileo officially opened at Berkeley Repertory Theatre May 15, and the reviews are in. The extended run continues through June 23 at the company's Roda Theatre, with Raúl Esparza starring in the title role. Michael Mayer is directing.
The musical features a book by Emmy winner Danny Strong, music and lyrics by Michael Weiner and Zoe Sarnak, and choreography by David Neumann.
Joining Esparza in the cast are Jeremy Kushnier as Bishop Maffeo Barberini, Madalynn Mathews as Virginia Galilei, Christian Magby as Alessandro Tarantola, Javier Muñoz as Cardinal Morosini, and Bradley Dean as Bishop Grasso.
The company also includes Gabrielle Elisabeth, Adam Halpin, Michal Kolaczkowski, Claire Kwon, Nicole Kyoung-Mi Lambert, Michael J. Mainwaring, Alexander Mendoza, Brian Ray Norris, Chase Peacock, Noah Plomgren, David Rowen, DeMone Seraphin, Madeleine Spacapan, Erica Sweany, Zalah Brenae Vallien, and Adrian Villegas. Casting is by Jim Carnahan and Jason Thinger.
The creative team includes music supervisor and orchestrator Brian Usifer, music director Roberto Sinha, scenic designer Rachel Hauck, costume designer Anita Yavich, lighting designer Kevin Adams, sound designer John Shivers, projection designers Jason Thompson and Kaitlyn Pietras, wig, hair, and makeup designer Tom Watson, production stage manager Rick Steiger, stage manager Amy Marsico, and assistant stage manager Karen Evanouskas.
Galileo is presented by special arrangement with Jordan Roth and Key to the City Productions.
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