Asolo Rep artistic director Michael Donald Edwards directs the drama about the astronomer who changed how humanity viewed its place in the universe. Previews began Sept. 16, and performances will continue through Oct. 9.

The cast features Paul Whitworth as Galileo, as well as Sheldon Best, Stephen Caffrey, Philip Goodwin, Alex Hernandez, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Robert Ellis, Bob Goddard, Charles Kartali, Jeremy Kendall, Aric Floyd, Jeffrey Grover, Jonathan Ramos, Christian Prentice, Thomas Weil, Eva Gill, Andrew Gorrell, Dan Hendrock, Michael Herbert, Kim Krane, Kelli Ruttle and Yan Tual.

"It has been 401 years since Galileo turned his telescope to the heavens and discovered that the earth is round and not flat, that we are not the center of the universe, and that we are but a tiny speck in this vast distance of space," Edwards said in a statement. "Back then, it was like he dropped the bomb. Today, The Life of Galileo could not be more timely, as Brecht’s superb play vividly reminds us that this great intersection of faith and reason, of science and morality, is directly connected to the future of us all."

The Life of Galileo design team includes Clint Ramos (scenic and costume design), Peter West (lighting design), Fabian Obispo (sound design), Dan Scully (projection design) and Pandora Robertson (choreographer).

Edgar is the author of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. His plays also include Entertaining Strangers, Maydays, Pentecost, Testing the Echo, Out of Joint, Playing with Fire, The Continental Divide, The Prisoner’s Dilemma, Albert Speer and The Shape of the Table. He also contributed to the multi-play work, The Great Game. Tickets are available by phoning (216) 795-7000 or by visiting ClevelandPlayhouse.