The pulsating new musical presented by Roundabout Theatre Company entitled “The Heart” is based on the novel “Réparer les Vivants” by Maylis de Kerangel. The book changes the location from Normandy, France, to San Diego, California, and concisely contains the crucial events within a twenty-four-hour period. These events are contained in a stimulating ninety-minute, powerful performance. The energetic cast captures the tension, heartbreak, morality, and vulnerability of everyone connected to a tragedy that requires immediate attention and difficult decisions. Characters are well defined without wasting time and effort to elaborate the details of a backstory. Director Christopher Ashley manages to corral the characters’ emotions and reactions that are only relevant to the action at hand, in order to develop a clear and precise storyline. The manner in which each character reacts to the situation fulfills the needed exposition. What makes this musical stand out is the human reactions to the consequences that drive the action forward. Every character contains humanistic traits that are seen in an alternate light because of the circumstances.

The story begins with nineteen-year-old Simon (Nick T. Daly), surfing in the early morning hours on a San Diego beach. On the way home he is involved in a nearly fatal car accident, and when he is taken to the hospital, he is declared brain dead. His estranged parents Marianne (Joaquina Kalukango) and Sean (Jason Tam) are notified, and when they meet at the hospital they are informed of the situation. Of course, their reaction is disbelief and they insist Simon will eventually wake up and be well. They are consoled by nurse Cordelia (Bre Jackson) who exhibits true empathy and sincere compassion. Reality sets in when they are approached by organ donor specialist Thomas (Lincoln Clauss), who would like them to consider donating Simon’s vital organs including his healthy heart. After lengthy discussions, they decide it would be the right choice and agree to proceed. The well-oiled medical machine begins to turn its wheels since time is of the essence. Juliette (Max McKenna), Simon’s girlfriend, is notified, and she prepares a tape with sounds of ocean waves she wishes to be played during the transplant procedure. Cardiologist Dr. Breva (Drew Gehling) is informed, and the organ transplant system is activated to find which patient is at the top of the list to receive a new heart. Marte (Wren Rivera), an employee at an organ registry company, frantically races to procure a recipient. After a few attempts, the chosen patient is a female, Claire (Heidi Blickenstaff), who is celebrating her fiftieth birthday and has come to terms with dying. And so, the transplant is done and the heart continues to beat, sustaining life in another human being.

It would be logical to assume the story would be inferior because of the predictability, but the outcome is not what the story is about. It is about creating a beautiful tapestry using the reactions, emotions, morals and decisions of everyone involved in this heartfelt experience. It is refreshing to see the medical personnel depicted as human beings, with feelings and flaws. The driving force is wholly supported by the music, lyrics and arrangements of Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath, and precise choreography created by Mandy Moore. This combination of skills creates a pulse and heartbeat that at times races with fierce adrenaline as time is of the essence, and at times the pulse takes on a calm rhythm like waves lapping against the shore. Not only do the characters join together to create an emotional impression, but the artistic team blends music, lyrics, dialogue and choreography seamlessly to deliver a forceful impact. “The Heart” keeps beating long after you leave the theater as you can only imagine what you would do if you were put in the same situation.