Musical The Heart Opens at Laura Pels Theatre
The production directed by Christopher Ashley brings Maylis de Kerangal’s novel to the stage in a limited run.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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The musical The Heart has officially opened at the Laura Pels Theatre in New York City. The production features a cast including Joaquina Kalukango, Heidi Blickenstaff, and Drew Gehling.
Why it matters
The show represents a new theatrical adaptation of the novel Réparer les vivants. Its unique staging seeks to blend various environments to immerse the audience in the narrative.
The production has a total runtime of 90 minutes. It is currently scheduled for a limited engagement run.
The players
Christopher Ashley
He is an acclaimed theater director known for his extensive work in Broadway and regional stage productions.
Joaquina Kalukango
She is a Tony Award-winning actress recognized for her notable performances in various Broadway musicals.
Heidi Blickenstaff
She is an established Broadway performer widely known for her roles in multiple musical theater productions.
Drew Gehling
He is a versatile stage actor with a career spanning numerous prominent theatrical and musical roles.
Mandy Moore
She is a renowned choreographer who has earned acclaim for her work across theater and television projects.
The details
Directed by Christopher Ashley, the show features a book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan with music and lyrics by Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath. Choreographer Mandy Moore and set designer Robert Brill utilize advanced lighting and video projections to move between diverse hospital, club, and ocean settings.
Timeline
The musical officially opened at the Laura Pels Theatre on October 29, 2026.
The limited engagement of the production concludes on December 6, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows a long-standing tradition of bringing literary works to the stage to test their commercial viability in the New York market. The move mirrors a broader trend of limited-run adaptations that serve as launchpads for potential transfers to larger Broadway venues.
Theatergoers can see the production at the Laura Pels Theatre through the end of its limited engagement. Tickets are currently available for performances leading up to the scheduled closing date in December.
The takeaway
The Heart highlights how innovative set design and projection technology can transform traditional theater into a multi-sensory experience. Audience members should look for shows that utilize these visual tools to fully appreciate the modern evolution of stage storytelling.
Further reading
Discover more about local productions in the Children’s Theater section.
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