The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) has ended…

but… GALILEO IS JUST GETTING STARTED

GALILEO IN TAHITI FOR TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE!

SEE MORE ECLIPSE PICTURES HERE!

Next Appearance:  Rosario Resort, Orcas Island, Washington            August 12, 2010

What if we could go back in time– and meet Galileo on the verge of his sudden trajectory toward fame? Could we get a glimpse into the mind of a man whose destiny it was to be the first human being to assault the heavens with a telescope, and explain to the rest of us what he saw?

——————————————

Galileo 1610 is a living history production; a dramatic, musical and comical odyssey back to the life and times of Galileo Galilei, the famous 17th century Italian scientist and philosopher.  It commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s discoveries with his telescope in 1610.

“One of the best entertainment experiences I have ever had!

Mannie Jackson–Owner, Chairman and CEO of the Harlem Globetrotters

Dressed in authentic Renaissance attire as Galileo, Mark A. Thompson—cantorial soloist and amateur astronomer, tells the fascinating story of “The Father of Modern Science,” drawing from the actual correspondence and writings of Galileo, as well as those of his many biographers.

“Mark Thompson’s portrayal as Galileo was wonderful. Since I had read beforehand that Mr. Thompson was an astronomer, I expected Galileo to be well versed on the science that he essentially founded in the early 17th Century.

What I did not expect was his full embodiment of Galileo – his humor, his musical skills, and his uncanny ability – like all good actors – to “become the character” to his audience. It was as if our members actually got to meet “the Father of Modern Science.”

Bart Benjamin, Director, Eugene Cernan Earth and Space Center, River Grove, Illinois

Through his dialogue with the audience on a wide range of discoveries and opinions, ‘Galileo’ shares his wisdom and his life experiences with pathos, wit and humor, lacing his narration with entertaining lute songs from the late Renaissance period, some of which were actually composed by Galileo’s father, Vincenzo.

“Certainly I had imagined encounters with Galileo often enough to almost feel his presence in my life, but I never heard the sound of his wonderful singing voice until his alter-ego Mark Thompson serenaded me. Music and humor, like observation and interpretation, helped Galileo make sense of the universe.”

Dava Sobel, world-renowned author of Galileo’s Daughter, Longitude, The Planets, and Letters to Father

Bridging the past to the present, Thompson breathes life into ‘Galileo’ as he once again frolics and struggles among us. In bringing forth some of life’s great issues, we learn something about our own inquisitive nature, as well as that of science and music.

“You clearly enjoy what you are doing, you do it well, and give people some personal sense of Galileo and his times that is, I feel, very important – and not just in 2009.”

Christopher J. Corbally, S.J. Vice Director of the Vatican Observatory for VORG

Mark A. Thompson has appeared as Galileo for over a decade on radio, at community theatres and libraries, public schools, colleges and universities throughout the country. He has performed for civic organizations, astronomy association conventions, marketing and outreach programs as well as private events and parties.

(See video excerpts of a performance at JPL, Pasadena)

Galileo 1610 is tailored to fit the interest, experience and size of the audience and is suitable for a variety of educational and entertainment programs:

“An excellent presentation with meaningful facts. “Galileo” relates his life to other historical persons of the time. The information is real, not myth passed down. “Galileo” held the students’ interest with his costume, accent, lute playing, hands-on demonstrations and meaningful question and answer sessions. A very valuable and enjoyable experience…. Highly recommended!”

Mike Gavin, 7th grade GATE Teacher, McAuliffe M.S. Los Alamitos, CA.