The entire musical is framed by a trial taking place in the meeting hall of Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. During the trial, Galileo looks back upon his entire life:
HOOP-LA – Galileo pulls his students out of the stale university lecture halls and instead of cramming, he offers an experiment under the clear sky – he demonstrates a free fall from the famous Tower of Pisa.
CARDINALS – The residence of Maffeo Barberini is basically an exhibition of Renaissance art
I NEVER GIVE UP – Streets of Venice
OUT OF MONEY – Galileo’s study is also his workshop
RECANT GIORDANO – Prison
THE SHIP KEEPS IT’S COURSE – A pub
LET ME DREAM THE GOOD DREAM – Terrace of a Venetian home
THE TELESCOPE – Roof of Doge’s Palace
STARS IN YOUR EYES – Terrace of Galileo’s home
GOD’S PUNISHMENT – A street
SHADOW BURIED IN THE SAND – A street
2nd Part
STREET ORGAN – A street
DE MEDICI DRESS BALL – The Medici Palace
I’M JUST A WOMAN – The Medici Palace
AND THE POPE IS… Residence of Maffeo Barberini
CONFESSION – Inchofer’s cell
POWERLESSNESS OF THE POWERFULL – Ceremony Hall of Castel Sant’Angelo
ONLY MY FAITH – Galileo’s home
LET HIM PUBLISH IT – Residence of Cardinals Badaloni and Angeloni
ROME IS BEAUTIFUL IN SPRING – Galileo’s study
WHO IS SIMPLICIO?– Papal Residence
PRAYER – The Pope’s private chapel
RECANT GALILEO – Prison, then the meeting hall of Castel Sant’Angelo
I RECANT – The meeting hall of Castel Sant’Angelo, Space
EPILOGUE – I NEVER GIVE UP – Contemporary scene