With over 25 sold out performances, The Wilma Theater is thrilled to announce a 1-week extension of the American Premiere of a new translation of the Bertolt Brecht masterpiece The Life of Galileo. Translated by Tony® and Olivier award-winning playwright David Edgar (The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby), the production is directed by Wilma co-Artistic Director Blanka Zizka. The epic story of Galileo is staged in an ambitious production, with a cast of 23 actors, now running through May 19th.

With over 25 sold out performances and praise from critics such as "A lively staging worth seeing!" (The Wall Street Journal) and "A handsome, lavish, and provocative production!" (The Philadelphia Inquirer), The Wilma Theater has extended the performance run, which opened April 18th, by 1 week with an additional 6 performances. Tickets are $38 to $50, with $10 student rush tickets available the day of performances and half-price general rush tickets available 30 minutes before performances, both subject to availability. Tickets can be purchased at The Wilma Theater Box Office (265 South Broad Street), online at www.wilmatheater.org or by phone at (215) 546-7824.

The lead cast of 13 that includes many Philadelphia favorites, plus an additional 10 actors cast as "The People," features Los Angeles-based veteran actor John Campion as Galileo, Scott Barrow, Zac Chew, Grace Gonglewski, Scott Greer, David Howey, Anthony Lawton, Ross Manson, Dante Mignucci, Peter Pryor, Sarah Sanford, Greg Wood, and John Zak.

In a simple study in Padua, Galileo raises his telescope to the skies and transforms hypothesis into proof that Earth is not the center of the universe. Word of his discovery radiates from the streets of Venice to the palaces of Rome, shaking the age-old core beliefs of his society. Galileo is ultimately brought before the Holy Inquisition and forced to make a decision that fuels passionate debates over science, politics, religion, and ethics - even to this day.

To request more information, photos, and interviews, please contact: Emaleigh Doley, Canary Promotion + Design, 215-242-6393, emaleigh@canarypromo.com.