The Heart at La Jolla Playhouse

[Birdie Boy]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 4:47pm

Book- Kait Kerrigan

Electronic score - Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath

Direction- Christopher Ashley

Choreography by Mandy Moore

 

 

Updated On: 9/2/25 at 04:47 PM

[Birdie Boy]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 4:51pm

I haven’t seen it although it seems to be getting a really positive reaction out of California. Based on the trailer, it’s giving Come from away meets Redwood vibes. 

[THDavis]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 5:18pm

I caught this a few nights ago. I REALLY enjoyed myself. It doesn’t scream BROADWAY to me but I doubt this will be the last we see of it. Kerrigan’s book is surprisingly strong (I only say that as someone who has seen a lot of growth in her lyrics, but didn’t love Gatsby’s book) and the music is fine/good, but it could use some work as far as streamlining them into the story more naturally. 
 

Performance wise, there wasn’t a weak link in the cast. And some of the music REALLY showcased the performers talent more than it necessarily helped the story, but I can’t imagine anyone was upset about it with that cast lineup. 

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 7:13pm

Saw a reading of it last summer and adored it. The music is great, and with Eisendrath’s involvement with wildly successful KPop Demon Hunters, I feel like it’ll have some good buzz. The cast also really is top-notch.

The uphill battle is making people get past its depressing sounding plot synopsis - a young surfer is on life support after an accident and his parents must decide whether to keep him alive or donate his organs. Despite the fact that it is about that, it’s incredibly hopeful and uplifting. Hope it continues to have life (pun intended) after La Jolla!

[suzycat]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 7:31pm

I also saw a workshop last year and thought it was incredibly good. Similar in pace & storytelling style to Come From Away, with music that really surprised me. I hope we get to see it in NY. 

[Idiot]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 8:47pm

Seeing this on Sept. 20 and can't wait.  Ever since I read the premise when this production was announced I've been excited to see it. 

[Birdie Boy]

Posted: 9/2/25 at 9:13pm

I guess this is looking to come to Broadway?  I wonder if this would be produced by roundabout since Christopher Ashley is going over there 

[bruzson]

Posted: 9/10/25 at 7:26pm

Mistakenly created a new thread so here's my post:

'The Heart' at La Jolla Playhouse is easily the best thing we've seen there since we moved to San Diego 6 years ago.  Inventive, heart-warming, incredibly staged and acted, and a swift 82 minutes, it's a must see if you're in So. Cal this month.  Some have compared it to 'Come From Away' as it has a cast of 9 actors playing different roles whilr moving furniture, but that's where the comparisons end.  I won't say more other than to urge you to see it for yourselves.

 

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 9/10/25 at 8:05pm

We live a scant few miles from the La Jolla Playhouse.  Over the years we've seen a number of productions there, but will not see "The Heart".  But, as with all their shows, we hope it will be a rousing success.

We are, however, excited to be seeing what is being called a funny "delicious new play" about Julia Child, "The Recipe," February/March 2026.  Cast has not yet been announced.    
 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 9/26/25 at 9:55am

FIRST IN THE BRIEFING:
Keep Up: The Making of The Heart, a four-part docuseries that follows the creation of the new musical The Heart which is currently running at La Jolla Playhouse, has been announced. From the first movement workshop in New York City to its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, viewers get rare access inside the making of a new musical. Episodes of Keep Up: The Making of The Heart will premiere Sunday evenings on the And That’s ShowbizYouTube channel, beginning October 12 at 7pm EST. Trailer: https://bway.ly/q4y1d3

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 9/26/25 at 10:24am

This has the commercial producers of COME FROM AWAY and MEMPHIS behind it (Sue Frost & Randy Adams' Junkyard Dog Productions). Given the response, I would expect to see it on Broadway this season or next. Could be a much-needed boost to the current Broadway season.

[malcs98]

Posted: 9/26/25 at 12:15pm

jacobsnchz14 said: "FIRST IN THE BRIEFING:
Keep Up: The Making of The Heart, a four-part docuseries that follows the creation of the new musicalTheHeartwhich is currently running atLa Jolla Playhouse, has been announced. From the first movement workshop in New York City to its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, viewers get rare access inside the making of a new musical. Episodes of Keep Up: The Making of The Heart will premiere Sunday evenings on theAnd That’s ShowbizYouTube channel,beginning October 12 at 7pm EST.Trailer:https://bway.ly/q4y1d3"

I really do believe what Katherine Quinn as her team of And That’s Showbiz are doing is truly changing the theatre industry and business one venture at a time! I cannot wait to start watching this