Galileo Holds Sitzprobe Ahead of Broadway Previews
The new musical starring Raúl Esparza gathered its cast, creative team, and musicians before first performances at the Shubert Theatre.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Space
The cast, creative team, and musicians of Galileo gathered for the production's sitzprobe, a rehearsal in which singers and orchestra first perform together. First preview performances are scheduled to begin Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Shubert Theatre.
Why it matters
The sitzprobe marks a late-stage milestone before the musical's first audiences in New York City, and Raúl Esparza's return to Broadway after 14 years draws attention to the production. Producers also announced digital lottery and in-person rush ticket policies, which affect how theatergoers in the city can access seats.
Raúl Esparza's appearance marks his first Broadway role in 14 years, and he is a four-time Tony Award nominee. Ticket availability details and audience demand for the production have not been disclosed.
The players
Raúl Esparza
Raúl Esparza is an actor known for his stage work and multiple Tony Award nominations, and he stars in the title role of Galileo.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and science communicator who has joined Galileo as a co-producer.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye is a science educator and television host who has joined Galileo as a co-producer.
Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is an astronaut and physician who has joined Galileo as a co-producer.
Danny Strong
Danny Strong is a writer and actor who wrote the book for Galileo.
The details
Galileo features a book by Danny Strong, an original score by Zoe Sarnak and Michael Weiner, direction by Michael Mayer, and choreography by David Neumann. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, science educator Bill Nye, and astronaut Mae Jemison have joined as co-producers, and Aurora Productions serves as production manager with ShowTown Theatricals as general manager.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: The cast, creative team, and musicians gather for the sitzprobe.
November 10, 2026: First preview performances begin at the Shubert Theatre.
December 6, 2026: Opening night is scheduled for Sunday evening.
Big Picture
Galileo Galilei's 1610 telescopic observations of Jupiter's moons established evidence for heliocentrism, and this musical revisits that historical figure for a Broadway audience. The inclusion of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and astronaut Mae Jemison as co-producers links the production to contemporary space science.
Theatergoers in New York City can seek seats through the production's digital lottery and in-person rush ticket policies announced ahead of previews. Performances at the Shubert Theatre at 225 West 44th Street begin November 10, 2026.
The takeaway
The production's move from rehearsal to preview shows how a new musical builds toward its first public audiences in New York City. Readers interested in the production can track its preview and opening dates at the Shubert Theatre.
What happens next
First preview performances begin November 10, 2026, followed by opening night on December 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the scientific history behind the musical, explore our Space coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
