2025/26 Season

The Heart

World-Premiere Musical

The Heart

Aug 19 - Sep 21 | Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Based on "Réparer les Vivants" by Maylis de Kerangal | Book and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan

Music and Lyrics by Anne Eisendrath & Ian Eisendrath | Directed by Christopher Ashley

One day, one heart, one breathtaking ride

When a young surfer’s life is cut short, it means a second chance for a woman who had been making peace with her terminal illness. Over the course of 24 suspenseful hours in San Diego, we follow one precious heart on its vital, life-saving journey from donor to recipient, and meet the people whose lives are impacted along the way.

With a gripping book by Kait Kerrigan (The Great Gatsby), and directed by our own Christopher Ashley, The Heart is based on the highly lauded novel by Maylis de Kerangal, Réparer les Vivants. Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisendrath (music supervisor of Come From Away) have crafted a unique, surging, epic electronic score that takes inspiration from the world of the high-tech hospital.

This breathtaking new musical is an enlightening, edge-of-your-seat ride on a powerful wave of emotion.


Ticket Information

Single tickets are now on sale. La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.

Enjoy lowest prices and the best seats? Include this show in a subscription package:
Design-Your-Own Subscription: Mix and match 3 or more shows from $139
Premium 6-Play Subscription: Enjoy great seats and the lowest prices; all 6 shows from $54 each

First Look (previews)*: Aug 19 – 24
Weeks 2 – 5: Aug 26 – Sep 21

* ‘First Look’ performances are the first week of the run (with some exceptions). First Look tickets are lower price and offer the opportunity to experience the show while the creative team are still polishing and making changes. This is a vital element of a show’s evolution, allowing the creative team to see the show through the eyes of the audience. Playhouse staff speak to the audience before the show starts, and the creative team may be seated near you taking notes. Please take this into account when purchasing tickets.

Content Guidance
This show is recommended for ages 12 and up. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. Read about our age recommendations here. If you have any questions about content or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.

Ticket discounts
The Playhouse offers a range of ways to save on tickets, including Military, Student and Rush discounts, and $30 tickets in Area 3. Discounts are subject to availability and conditions may apply. Read more here or call Patron Services at (858) 550-1010 for more info.


Audience Engagement Events

Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.

Talkback Tuesdays
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.
Tue, Sep 2 and Sep 9 after the 7:30pm show

Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sun, Sep 14 after the 1pm show


Access Performance

ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat, Sep 6, 2pm

The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, captioning for patrons to access on individual devices, and a relaxed welcoming environment for patrons with sensory sensitivities. Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision can be requested in advance. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.

Sensory Friendly Guide
Read the Sensory Friendly Guide for the Potiker Theatre here


Useful Information

Duration
This world premiere work is still in development. Duration will be updated closer to the run dates.

Parking
UC San Diego’s Theatre District Parking Structure is across the road from the Playhouse. Ticket buyers can pay for parking on-site, at the ParkMobile website parkmobile.io or with the ParkMobile app. Subscribers get free parking. Find all parking information here.

Health and Safety
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. Please visit our health and safety page here for the latest information.

Onsite Dining
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tue – Sun). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reserve your table on OpenTable or by phone on (858) 638-7778. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Click here to view the menu

Concessions
Concessions opens 60 mins before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.


Production Sponsors

Gary and Marlene Cohen
Karen and Jeff Silberman

Cast & Creators
Image of Kait Kerrigan Kait Kerrigan Book and Additional Lyrics
Image of Anne Eisendrath Anne Eisendrath Music and Lyrics
Image of Ian Eisendrath Ian Eisendrath Music and Lyrics
Image of Christopher Ashley Christopher Ashley Director
Venue Info

Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

The Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre is a black box flexible theatre seating up to 450 patrons, and the centerpiece of the 6,500-square-foot Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center.

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2025 July
2025 August
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