I watched “Heart on Fire,” written by Olivia Seymour, at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center last Friday with a friend. I haven’t been to many musicals in the past and didn’t know what to expect. However, I ended up being incredibly happy that I attended this one — it was a truly captivating and well-executed production.
The play is set in the 1960s at the height of the hippie movement and American involvement in the Vietnam War. It centers around the relationship between two sisters: Lisa (Lucy Bullock), an uptight and pragmatic diner owner, and her younger sister Cassie (Isabel Seymour), a vivacious teenage girl eager to leave small-town life behind and chase her dreams in Los Angeles with her friends. Cassie ultimately leaves home and meets Loretta (Brigid O’Driscoll), a passionate anti-war protester, and her brother Johnny (Caleb DeLorenzo), a charismatic and popular hippie singer. Their interactions introduce Cassie to a world vastly different from the one she left behind.
The pacing of the musical was flawless. No scene dragged, and no moment felt rushed — each plot point had enough time to breathe, making the story feel organic and immersive. I was never bored or antsy to get up and walk around; every second on stage felt purposeful and engaging.
As for the performances, both lead actresses showcased remarkable vocal range and delivered breathtaking solo performances. They truly shined when harmonizing together, though, particularly in their penultimate number (“Compass”), which was the standout emotional moment of the show. Other notable performances included Christian Dunne as Stephen, a police officer and Lisa’s husband, with Dunne delivering an exceptionally raw and moving performance. Loretta, played by O’Driscoll, was a powerhouse soloist. Additionally, Cassie’s three friends — Red (Harry Larson), Diana (Madeline Bendzick) and Russell (Jack Duncan) — brought fantastic energy and chemistry to the stage, making their group feel authentic and endearing.
The songwriting was another major highlight. Not only was each song well-composed and lyrically compelling, but the sheer volume of musical numbers was impressive, with no two songs feeling repetitive or overly similar. Every new number felt fresh, enhancing the story rather than just filling time.
Some particular songs that stood out were:
“It’s All A-Comin’”
This number cleverly recapped the first act while subtly foreshadowing key moments in the second. It snapped the audience out of their intermission-induced trance and seamlessly pulled them back into the story. The melody was also incredibly catchy.
“Up in Smoke”
This was a visually and musically striking number. The choreography, paired with dramatic stage effects, made it a spectacle, while the seamless integration of music and dialogue effectively drove the plot forward.
“Follow Your Fire”
This song (Cassie’s opening solo) set the tone for the entire musical. Isabel Seymour’s performance was filled with enthusiasm and vigor, instantly hooking the audience and immersing them in Cassie’s world.
Overall, “Heart on Fire” was a phenomenal production that I would highly recommend. It balanced strong storytelling, impressive musical numbers and heartfelt performances to create an unforgettable experience. If you have the chance to see it, don’t miss it! Future performances run from Feb. 26 to March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.
