Bay Area theater and music lovers are in for a treat, albeit one that needs adjustment before heading to Broadway. The Berkeley Repertory Theatre is now presenting Michael Mayer’s world premiere production of Galileo: A Rock Musical. It’s the story of the famous 17th-century scientist, astronomer and polymath Galileo Galilei, whose celestial observations advanced science and changed the world’s perception of its place in the universe, discoveries which were considered a threat to the authority of the Catholic Church. As with Spring Awakening and American Idiot, Mayer once again turns to helming a rock musical, but this one is not based on a novel, play or film. Danny Strong‘s original book and Michael Weiner and Zoe Sarnak‘s songs, a pastiche of ’80s middle-of-the-road rock (Sarnak’s The Lonely Few just opened Off-Broadway), need some storyline tweaking and character elucidation, editing (it runs nearly three hours) and some song improvements (and what out-of-town tryout doesn’t?), but the entertainment and theme still shine through.
Raúl Esparza (Galileo Galilei)
The story reflects on a unique time in history with implications and metaphors that are applicable today. The scientific community had its place, yes, but faith was considered to be the ultimate truth. The early Renaissance era was just starting to spread throughout Europe. Galileo’s research questioned the idea that the Earth was not the center of the universe and perhaps there was more beyond the sun. The politically powerful Catholic Church was threatened with these new ideas. People who talked of any views other than faith and scripture were accused of heresy and immediately silenced usually through physical torture or sometimes by being burned at the stake. Set this struggle to music, add powerhouse vocalists and fantastic visuals and you have Galileo: A Rock Musical.
Raúl Esparza (Galileo Galilei, center) and the cast
The show opens with Galileo (Raúl Esperaza) presented as an intelligent yet somewhat temperamental scientist as he rocks out with his enthusiastically powerful voice in “Map the Sky.” He is aided in his research with the help of his illegitimate daughter Virginia (Madalynn Mathews). Considered to be even smarter than her father, Virginia’s social status — and her love to adoring neighbor adoring neighbor Alessandro (Christian Magby) — is doomed due to the circumstances of her birth. Even though Galileo practices his Catholic faith, the surrounding clergy — Bishop Grasso (Bradley Dean) and Cardinal Morosini (Javier Munoz) — have their watchful eyes on his science research at all times. Bishop Maffeo Barbarini (Jeremy Kushnier) is his one loyal and supportive advocate.
Christian Magby (Alessandro Tarantola) and Madalynn Mathews (Virginia Galilei)
To aid in his research, Galileo modernizes a telescope and comes up with his own “Thermoscope”. This “EUREKA” moment in the story suddenly changes everything as he looks through his new invention for the first time. New stars, the Milky Way and the Moons around Jupiter could now be seen. As in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy steps out into colorful Oz, the music shifts and becomes bolder, with all the instruments louder, much like John Williams’ Star Wars scores. The lights in the sky multiply and become brighter, aided by projection design by Jason H. Thompson and Kaitlyn Pietras. A whole new map of the sky opens up for Galileo and the audience as well. It is powerful and exciting to witness this transformation in “Heaven’s Changing.”
Jeremy Kushnier (Bishop Maffeo Barberini) and Raúl Esparza (Galileo Galilei)
The implications of this new discovery excites the European community (“Whispers”) until the panicked clergy swoop in. Galileo is summoned to the Vatican to defend his findings and this is where the battle of faith versus science really begins. The confrontation sweeps us in as both sides vehemently state their case. Galileo’s friend and ally Bishop Barbarini is made Pope Urban VIII and urges his friend to use his faith to help present a study which illustrates the benefits to both sides.
Raúl Esparza (Galileo Galilei) and the cast
Ultimately the underlying message is about power. Truth is whatever a politician wants it to be, or as Barbarini says, “Power decides truth, not the other way around.” Michael Weiner and Zoe Sarnak’s powerful music and lyrics convey the actors’ emotions, expressing their anger in defending or questioning the status quo. We see this in “Heaven Changing” with Esparza’s booming “I’m screaming into the void” struggling with his faith versus science and, ultimately, truth.
With Brian Usher as music supervisor and Roberto Sinha as music director, the whole ensemble delivers with powerfully emotive voices. Madalynn Mathew‘s solos as Virginia Galileo — in particular “When Does the Truth Cost Too Much?” — bring down the house. Anitat Yavich’s 17th-century-seen-through-modern-eyes costumes are wonderful, particularly the Clergymen’s colorful red robes, which are striking, helping to convey the power they possess. Rachel Hauck’s multi-level scenic design along with Kevin Adams’ lighting and John Shivers’ sound help create the powerful ever-changing sights and sounds that enhance all the action on stage.
The band, led by Roberto Sinha on keyboard, is tight! Members are Jonathan Bauerfeld on keys, Steven Danaska on Guitar, Daniel Fabricant on bass, Yuri Kye on violin, Dave MacNab on guitar, Joshua Mikus-Mahoney on cello and Chris Sutherland on drums.
Galileo: A Rock Musical grabs you the second the curtain opens and the action begins. The historical story, the acting, singing, and cautionary modern-day metaphors are something special. Don’t miss this fantastic show!
