The new off-Broadway musical “The Heart” is making waves with its unique electronic dance music (EDM) score and its poignant exploration of organ donation. The show, currently running at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Laura Pels Theatre, offers a ninety-minute, intermission-free experience that pulses with the urgency of its subject matter.
At its core, “The Heart” follows the journey of a young organ donor, Simon, who is declared brain dead after a car accident. The musical delves into the difficult decision his parents, Marianne and Sean, face regarding organ donation, and the subsequent race against time to get his heart to a recipient. This narrative is underscored by a score from Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath, which infuses the production with the driving rhythms of EDM, mirroring the fast-paced world of emergency medicine and the heightened emotions involved.
Director Christopher Ashley, known for his work on “Come From Away,” guides an ensemble cast that seamlessly portrays a multitude of characters. Nick T. Daly stars as Simon, whose spirit remains onstage throughout the musical, serving as a constant reminder of the human element behind the donation. Joaquina Kalukango delivers a powerful performance as Simon’s mother, Marianne, particularly in her ballads, which blend EDM with traditional musical theater to showcase a wide emotional range. Bre Jackson also shines as Cordelia, a compassionate nurse who offers solace to Simon's family.
The musical’s production design is sleek and modern, featuring clean white scenery punctuated by vibrant pops of color from video elements. Mandy Moore’s choreography is described as angular and linear, further enhancing the show's high-tech, fast-paced atmosphere. Despite the clinical setting, the production effectively balances the robotic efficiency of medical procedures with powerful explosions of human feeling.
While the musical has been widely praised for its emotional impact and innovative score, the review notes occasional moments where humor feels forced or out of place, detracting slightly from the narrative's gravity. One scene involving a pre-surgery argument between doctors is called out as particularly jarring. However, the production's sound design by Gareth Owen is lauded for its layered excellence, with the reviewer suggesting that turning up the volume further, particularly in the final number, would enhance the show's cathartic conclusion.
Ultimately, “The Heart” is recognized for finding optimism within despair, celebrating the continuation of life through donation. The musical concludes with a single heartbeat, a sound intended to resonate with the audience and leave them with a racing pulse, much like a night on a dance floor. The show has been lauded for its ability to connect emotionally, drawing parallels to the high-stakes drama of medical shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Pitt,” while forging its own distinct theatrical identity. The production is noted for its potential to transfer to Broadway.