Searching for Galileo's Daughter DRAFT

The first child of the great astronomer Galileo entered a Tuscan convent in her teens and became known as Sister Maria Celeste. He taught her much about the heavens as a child, and during her years as a nun she remained scientifically curious while maintaining close contact with her father, even as the Catholic Church condemned him for promoting a sun-centered universe. Many of the letters she wrote to Galileo survive; and playwright Jessica Dickey, long fascinated with that correspondence, becomes our guide on a free-wheeling, time-shifting encounter with Sister Maria Celeste and her famous father.

This play is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series of science-themed plays. Lead funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood, in July 2025.

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast recording, starring:

Jessica Dickey as Writer

Ginnifer Goodwin as Daughter

Gregory Harrison as Galileo

Moira Quirk as Audio Tour Voice, Front Desk Lady, Librarian, and others

Nick Toren as Friar Martine, Charles Ellis, Scientist, and others

Adapted for audio by Mark Holden

Recording Engineer and Editor: Neil Wogensen for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood

Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll

Sound Design: Melissa Rimza, with assistance from Mark Holden

Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner

Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin