Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre (PLT) presents the epic drama “The Life of Galileo” on Nov. 13–15 and Nov.19–22. Evening performances begin at 8 P.M, while Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 P.M. In addition to the Saturday evening performances, there will be a 4 P.M. Saturday matinee performance on October 10. Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 dollars for seniors and students. Tickets are $8 for groups of fifteen or more, a savings of more than 10 percent off the original ticket price.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s analysis of the heavens with his telescopes. Filled with powerful ideas, the play brings to light the difficult choices in moral and social responsibilities. The play could not be timelier. Set in the Age of Reason, it chronicles Galileo’s (Ernest W. Ray of Joliet) discoveries, teachings and experiments.

It explores the conflict surrounding his scientific theory of how the earth revolves around the sun. In the play, Galileo’s experiments are conducted with his young servant and apprentice Andrea (Caitlin Sullivan of Tinley Park) and his colleague Federzoni (Melle Robison of Amboy IL.) The conflict between science and the views of the church are juxtaposed in Galileo’s friendship with a little monk (Kevin Kaucher of Chicago).

The character of Galileo is one of Brecht’s greatest creations, immensely human and complex. Unable to resist his appetite for scientific investigation, Galileo’s heretical discoveries about the solar system bring him to the attention of the Cardinal Inquisitor (Casey McKenzie.) He is scared into publicly denouncing his theories, and yet goes on working in private. Eventually his students smuggle his writings out of the country.

Lewis University’s Harold McCay of Joliet designs the set and directs the play of 21 actors. Other members of the production staff include: Celeste Mackey (costume design), Andrew Nelsen (lighting design) both of Joliet. Katie Sisto of Orland Park (properties), Monisa Victrum of Joliet (stage manager) and Heather Reedy of Manhattan (assistant stage manager).

Members of the cast include: Abigail Zwinklis and Amanda-Claire Lowe both of Woodridge, Luke Pascale and Melissa Young both of Plainfield, Laura Wisniewski of Chicago, Sean Barber of Aurora, Courtney Everett of Palos Park, Devon Ford of Joliet, Jamar Freeman of Dolton, Michael Friar of Tinley Park, Chris Hueg of Roseville, MN, Timothy S. Karkowski of Lombard, Saul Ortega of Bolingbrook, Mary Pierson of Lockport, and Jackie Staszak of Braidwood.

The running time of the production is approximately 2 hours and is recommended for patrons 13 years old and up. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Tickets are non-refundable. For more information, call the PLT box office at (815) 836-5500, Monday thru Friday from 1– 4:30 P.M. For more information, patrons can check out the PLT Web site www.lewisu.edu/plt or by e-mailing the box office at boxoffice@lewisu.edu. The Philip Lynch Theatre is located on the main campus of Lewis University on Route 53 in Romeoville.

A Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis offers nearly 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, accelerated degree completion options for working adults, various aviation programs and 22 graduate programs in nine fields. The Princeton Review and U.S. News&World Report are honoring the 10th largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois for the fifth consecutive year.