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KARDIA
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Set in the “perfect” world of 1968 America, and based on true events in the life of Keith’s family, Kardia tells the story of a young boy’s death, and the struggle of his mother to keep their family, and his heart, alive.
Kardia began development in 2017, had a Zoom reading in 2020, then staged readings in December 2023 and July 2024. Studio recordings of a sampling of the songs are planned for January 2026.
In 1968, Keith’s older brother suddenly died at the age of 11; his family decided to donate his heart, resulting in the second attempt anywhere in the world to transplant a heart in a child; the young girl who received his brother’s heart thrived for a week, then rejected it and died. Families were broken; new families were formed.
Today, when so many seem unable (or unwilling) to fully embrace those who hold views different from their own – be they siblings or neighbors – we think it important to remember that we have control over who we call “family”. No matter what barriers others erect, we control how wide we open our own arms.
the creators…
Keith Herron
Keith is the composer and writer of Kardia. His family’s story was the spark that set him on this journey.
Anne Pasquale
Anne is the dramaturg of Kardia. She has honed the story to make it more compelling, more meaningful, and more immediate.
Chris Ranney
Chris is the arranger of Kardia. He spent seven years as the Associate Conductor and Musical Director of the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Broadway musical “Come From Away”.
https://youtu.be/A-nBCTFjx7Y
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