EXCLUSIVE: Prominent members of the scientific community Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye and Dr. Mae Jemison have joined Broadway‘s upcoming Galileo musical as co-producers, the show’s lead producers announced today.
“Galileo’s story reminds us that scientific discovery begins with the courage to question what we think we already know,” said producers Amanda Lipitz, Henry Tisch, and Jordan Roth. “What unites Dr. Mae Jemison, Bill Nye, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is not only their extraordinary passion for science, but their lifelong commitment to sharing that passion with others.
“Each,” the statement continues, “has devoted their career to making science more accessible, sparking curiosity, and inspiring millions of people to look at the world with a deeper sense of wonder. Bringing them together as co-producers creates a powerful connection between science and the arts, and we’re thrilled to have them join us in bringing this event to Broadway.”
Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium; Nye is the scientist, educator, and television host; and Jemison is a former NASA astronaut and the first woman of color in space.
Galileo, starring Raúl Esparza in the title role, begins preview performances on Tuesday, November 10, at the Shubert Theatre, with an opening night set for Sunday, December 6. The musical features a book by Danny Strong and an original score by Zoe Sarnak and Michael Weiner, with direction by Michael Mayer and choreography by David Neumann.
“Galileo remains a seminal figure,” Tyson said, “not only in the history of science but in the history of civilization. A stark reminder that what is discovered to be objectively true in the universe is not always welcomed by cultural, political, or religious dogma. I am proud to be a part of this effort to bring Galileo’s story to life. Society needs it now more than ever.”
Said Jemison, “At eight years old, I talked my mother into enrolling me in dance classes while I insidiously learned everything I could about the Gemini and Apollo missions. At Stanford, I danced, choreographed, performed, made silk screen prints, all while earning a degree in chemical engineering. Taking dance classes at Alvin Ailey while earning my MD at Cornell Medical School, I realized that both science and dance were outlets for impacting the world around me…Galileo’s story is both universal and personal. This new musical showcases the science and history, while also revealing the humanity behind it.”
Nye commented, “I am excited indeed to join the Galileo musical as a co-producer. We’re bringing the passion, beauty, and joy of science to the Broadway stage. Galileo changed our understanding of our place in space as well as our fundamental grasp of our understanding of the way things move in nature. This show celebrates his spirit of inquiry, discovery, and critical thinking.”
According to the synopsis: “When luminary Galileo peers into the heavens, what he sees challenges humanity’s understanding of the world. Unwilling to deny the truth, Galileo finds himself in a fight with the most powerful institution on Earth. As his trusted confidant Maffeo Barberini ascends to power, friendship leads to betrayal, and the dreams Galileo has envisioned for himself and for his brilliant daughter Virginia Galilei begin to slip away. Belief, ambition, and love pull the trio out of orbit, each confronting what they’re willing to sacrifice for what matters most.”
In addition to Esparza, the principal cast includes Jeremy Kushnier, Joy Woods, Bradley Dean, Jordon Lee Garcia, and Javier Muñoz. Michael Park will alternate as Galileo at certain performances.