Strong, Weiner, Sarnak’s New Musical Faces Mighty Challenges

by Mary Lou Herlihy & Barry David Horwitz

“Galileo” bursts onto the stage like a grand gold-wrapped gift with a big expensive bow, promising a spectacle of cosmic proportions. This production—BIG, LOUD, COLORFUL—sparkles with glittering maps of the universe, raucous songs and dances, stunning projected images, and superb acting.

But as we unwrap the layers of this theatrical treasure, we suspect something essential is missing.

Scientist and mathematician Galileo Galilei (exuberant Raúl Esparza) devotes his life to proving the world-shaking discovery that the SUN stands still at the center of our galaxy. But Galileo offends the power brokers of the Catholic Church who insist on maintaining the myth that the Earth and mankind occupy the center.

Faith versus Science are the insistent refrains that threaten Galileo’s life. Dare he stand up against the all-powerful Church? As we see in the realistic opening projection of a colleague’s torture, the cost will surely be death.

Church Cardinals in vibrant red robes flash against bold backdrops of stained-glass and crucifixes. Are these rallying cries for faith? Are they denouncing the Church, or aspiring to new ways to seek truth? The beautiful two-tier staging, combining Italian Renaissance arches and modern glass columns invite us to mingle Galileo’s trials with our present day confrontations.

Infusing his Galileo with a Jagger/Oppenheimer vibe, Esparza sings “Two Sides,” pitting science against faith. A wacky, satirical, and hilarious Hollywood Squares scene ratchets up the song and dance furor. Galileo struts his stuff, buoyed and cocksure about writing a revised treatise, green-lighted by the new Pope.

Yet, amidst the song and dance spectacles, we rarely delve beneath the surface of this complicated scientist and mathematical genius. Why, for example, when given a chance for success, does he choose sabotage?

Esparza sings, “Heaven’s Changing,” as we look through Galileo’s telescope and up at the night sky–a truly magical moment when music, acting, lighting, and the stars align. Lighting designer Kevin Adams and projection designers Jason H. Thompson and Kaitlyn Pietras project mesmerizing views of starry constellations. But all that glitters may not be gold.

Galileo’s loyal daughter, Virginia (marvelous Madallyn Mathews), also a scientist, learns that her studies come at a heavy cost. Mathews sings angelically, as she laments that her father’s notoriety will prevent her marriage to her beloved Alessandro (gifted Christian Magby). Her story, more heartbreaking than Galileo’s, barely scratches the surface of the torment she’s forced to endure.

Jeremy Kushnier shines as Bishop Barbarini, Galileo’s friend and defender. Barbarini believes in Galileo’s TRUTH, and with delicate, moving adoration sings his lyrical poem. Unlike other characters, Barbarini evolves, in ways both shocking and familiar. After Barbarini becomes Pope, he turns on his friend, delivering powerful warnings with precision and depth: “Power decides TRUTH, not the other way around.” The truth-tellers are always in danger.

Amidst the spectacle and star power, we find ourselves yearning for intimate revelations. The stunning show leaves us asking for more enlightenment and more humanity. Perhaps the essential missing element is a genuine rallying cry to speak TRUTH to POWER.

“Galileo: A Rock Musical” —book by Danny Strong, songs by Michael Weiner & Zoe Sarnak, choreographed by David Neumann, directed by Michael Mayer, at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Info: berkeleyrep.org – to June 23, 2024.

—scenic design by Rachel Hauck, costumes by Anita Yavich, lighting by Kevin Adams, sound by John Shivers, projections by Jason H. Thompson & Kaitlyn Pietras.

Cast: Raúl Esparza, Jeremy Kushnier, Madalynn Mathews, Christian Magby, Javier Muñoz, and Bradley Dean.

Rounding out the cast: 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.

Banner photo: Raúl Esparza (Galileo Galilei) & the cast. Photos: Kevin Berne