Podcast Summary: THE HEART deserves a Broadway transplant | Thoughts on the world premiere new musical in La Jolla
Podcast: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Episode Date: October 12, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, theatre critic and content creator Mickey Jo reviews "The Heart," the world premiere musical at the La Jolla Playhouse. The episode analyzes how this ambitious, EDM-driven medical drama could influence the future of musical theatre—and whether it might “transplant” successfully to Broadway. Mickey Jo provides a detailed breakdown of the show’s narrative, artistic execution, score, performances, and its broader significance within the theatre landscape.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction & Background of "The Heart"
- The musical follows the literal journey of a human heart over 24 hours, inspired by the French novel Réparer les Vivants by Maylis de Kerangal.
- It blends medical drama with an electronic dance music (EDM) score, crafted by key creatives from "Come From Away" (notably director Christopher Ashley and music supervisor Ian Eisendrath).
- The setting: San Diego, California, both in reality and fiction.
Quote:
- “Think Grey’s Anatomy meets K Pop Demon Hunters. Er, but with EDM.”
—Mickey Jo (01:48)
2. Plot & Narrative Structure
- Focuses on Simon Lamar, a 19-year-old surfer who suffers a catastrophic traffic accident and is declared brain dead.
- The story explores his family’s grief, the urgent decision around organ donation, and follows the process and people involved in transferring his heart.
- Multiple perspectives: Simon’s family, the recipient and her family, several medical staff including doctors, nurses, transplant coordinators, and surgeons.
Memorable Narrative Elements:
- The show deftly offers both the procedural and deeply personal sides of organ transplantation.
- Like a medical TV drama, it is episodic but provides moments of significant intimacy and connection.
Quote:
- “There’s something about that uncomfortable and yet intimate dynamic… that speaks to why this deserves to be a stage musical in the first place.”
—Mickey Jo (06:48)
3. Production Style and Artistic Choices
- Direction: Christopher Ashley (also linked to "Come From Away").
- Design: Highly technological aesthetic with blue and purple neon, video projections, and waveforms, matching the electronic score.
- Cast: Ensemble plays multiple roles, similar to "Come From Away," enhancing a sense of community and interconnectedness.
Creative Team Shoutouts:
- Scenic Design: Robert Brill
- Lighting: Amanda Zieve
- Video: Lucy Mackinnon
Quote:
- “It’s all a little bit Tron, conveying the sense of… an incredibly well-funded hospital. But it’s in accordance with the soul of the piece and its score.”
—Mickey Jo (11:00)
4. The EDM Score: Innovation and Drawbacks
- Written by Ian and Anne Eisendrath; notably produced, not played live by musicians—this could cause union controversy if it heads to Broadway.
- EDM elements (pulse and beat) mirror the story’s medical urgency (heartbeat, hospital sounds).
- Score gives the production a contemporary and “alive” feeling, but also imposes some rigidity: actors can’t easily pause or organically adjust timing as with live bands.
Quote:
-
“The big reason why it works is because all of this music has a pulse and it’s a little on the nose, but that’s what we’re talking about here. The show is called The Heart.”
—Mickey Jo (13:03) -
“There is something about it which… feels slightly inorganic. And… manifested for me… in the inability of the performers to pause for as long as they might have liked to.”
—Mickey Jo (14:56)
5. Book, Lyrics, and Standout Moments
- Book & additional lyrics by Kate Kerrigan.
- Praised for providing vivid character sketches with minimal stage time.
- Memorable musical moment: Claire (Heidi Blickenstaff) writes a letter to her donor’s family, a moving blend of comedy and heartache, akin to iconic emotional show songs.
Quote:
- “It’s a hugely moving expression of simultaneous gratitude and guilt, one delivered, ironically, from the heart.”
—Mickey Jo (16:50)
6. Themes & Emotional Impact
- The show examines grief, medical professionalism, sacrifice, and community—juxtaposing clinical detachment with profound humanity.
- While moving, Mickey Jo feels the piece sometimes veers too “clinical,” missing the everyday warmth found in "Come From Away," though this could be adjusted in future productions.
Quote:
- “The one thing, ironically, which it needs is a little more Heart… What we tend to encounter is one of two things: either extraordinary devastated outpouring of grief, or an entirely pragmatic response.”
—Mickey Jo (23:36)
7. Performance Highlights (20:52–27:18)
- Zachary Noah Paiser: Simon Lamar—portrays the transition from vibrant teen to spectral presence with empathy.
- Heidi Blickenstaff: Dual roles of ER doctor and transplant recipient Claire—brings humanity and warmth, especially during “Nobody Gets Out Alive.”
- Kenita Miller: Simon’s grieving mother—channels emotional depth reminiscent of "Come From Away’s" Hannah.
- Jason Tam: Simon’s father—adds complexity and vulnerability.
- Max McKenna: Simon’s girlfriend, Juliet, also a DJ, explores trauma and gives EDM musical context.
- Ren Rivera: Transplant coordinator, brings comic relief and stark realism about organ shortages.
- Paul Alexander Nolan: Charismatic cardiac surgeon, likened to familiar TV doctors, delivers nuanced work/life balance scenes.
- Lincoln Clouse: Hospital staff and singer, blends personal passions with professional duties.
Quote:
- “What I like about this show is everybody is afforded layers and complexity… These feel like real people, people who would really come into contact in this situation.”
—Mickey Jo (26:49)
8. Will "The Heart" Go to Broadway?
- Mickey Jo asserts that the show deserves a Broadway run and could fill a timely need for empathy and community stories.
- Recognizes potential for controversy over non-live music but argues for openness to new musical forms.
- Sees "The Heart" as part of a welcome evolution in the Broadway musical tradition.
Quote:
- “In the current Broadway season… there is room enough for a show with a little bit more heart… what any musical needs to survive is predominantly a great story and great songs. And I believe that The Heart has both.”
—Mickey Jo (28:05)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Think Grey’s Anatomy meets K Pop Demon Hunters… but with EDM.” (01:48)
- “It’s a hugely moving expression of simultaneous gratitude and guilt, one delivered, ironically, from the heart.” (16:50)
- “The one thing, ironically, which it needs is a little more Heart.” (23:36)
- “These feel like real people, people who would really come into contact in this situation.” (26:49)
- “What any musical needs to survive is predominantly a great story and great songs. And I believe that The Heart has both.” (28:05)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:48 – Introduction to “The Heart”: premise, source novel, and structure
- 06:48 – Why the story works onstage/Comparison to medical TV drama
- 11:00 – Production style, design, and “Come From Away” connections
- 13:03 – EDM score: integration and impact
- 16:50 – Emotional highlight: Claire's heartfelt letter
- 20:52 – Detailed performer and character analysis
- 28:05 – Will “The Heart” transfer to Broadway?
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Mickey Jo champions "The Heart" as an innovative, poignant addition to contemporary musical theatre, applauds its daring artistic direction, and points to areas (namely, warmth and humanity) where it could improve even further. He passionately advocates for the show’s Broadway prospects, asserting its relevance and boldness in an evolving theatrical landscape.
Call to Action:
Encourages listeners who saw "The Heart" at La Jolla Playhouse to share their own thoughts, and invites audiences to subscribe for future reviews, particularly of new works premiering far from Broadway's traditional centers.
For fans of new musical theatre, medical dramas, and innovative storytelling, this episode gives a thorough, engaging primer on one of the season's most discussed new shows.