‘The Heart’ Off Broadway Review: The Beat Goes on in a Terrific New Musical About Organ Transplants

"The Heart," an innovative new musical about organ transplants, debuted at Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre on Thursday. The groundbreaking production, penned by Maylis de Kerangal, is based on her 2014 novel of the same name. The musical follows the journey of Simon, a 19-year-old California surfer who experiences a near-fatal car accident and becomes brain dead.

His estranged parents, Joaquina Kalukango and Jason Tam, are approached by an organ specialist, Lincoln Clauss, about donating their son’s vital organs, including lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. Christopher Ashley, known for his Tony-winning direction of "Come From Away," skillfully directs the ensemble, making much of the set—a collection of chairs and an operating table—move around during the performance.

The pulse-pounding score, composed by Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath, harmonizes seamlessly with Lucy Mackinnon’s cutting-edge videos, blurring the lines between human emotions and technological advancements. The show’s title, "The Heart," perfectly encapsulates its essence, highlighting the powerful impact of organ transplants.

Adapted from the novel, Kait Kerrigan’s book focuses on the recipient of the donated heart, Heidi Blickenstaff, in four distinct scenes that chronicle her emotional journey, from receiving the life-saving news from the doctor to writing a heartfelt letter to Simon’s parents and ultimately undergoing the life-changing surgery. While the narrative is driven by the recipient’s story, the musical’s strength lies in its ability to captivate audiences with its compelling portrayal of the organ transplant process.