by: Sandi Durell

Zak Resnick, Leslie Kritzer

Zak Resnick, Leslie Kritzer

Linda Hart

Linda Hart

Zak Resnick, D'adre Aziza

Zak Resnick, D’adre Aziza

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a new musical about to open in previews on June 25th, with an official opening night on July 21st – “Piece of My Heart: The Bert Berns Story.”

The highly anticipated musical has been brewing for 15 years as Bert Berns’ children Brett and Cassandra, along with the creative team at NYTW and Signature Theatre have been working on its road to the stage.  Bert Berns (the subject of a newly released book Here Comes the Night) was born in New York in 1929 and died tragically of a heart attack at the young age of 38.  However, in his short career, he left an indelible mark on pop music – falling under the radar until now.  He was, in fact, one of the most successful songwriters of the 1960s, having written such songs as “Twist and Shout,” “Hang on Sloopy,” “Cry Baby,” “Piece of My Heart,” and so many more. Rolling Stone dubbed him “one of the great untold stories of rock and roll.”

Zak and Derrick Baskin

Zak and Derrick Baskin

Teal Wicks

Teal Wicks

Cassandra & Brett Berns

Cassandra & Brett Berns

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bryan Fenkart

Bryan Fenkart

 

 

The story will finally be told featuring Zak Resnick, Leslie Kritzer, Linda Hart, Joseph Siravo, D’adre Aziza, Derrick Baskin, Teal Wicks and Bryan Fenkart with an all-star ensemble. The production is directed and choreographed by Enis Jones and produced by Jack Thomas and Bert Berns’ children, Brett and Cassandra.

www.pieceofmyheartmusical.com

Photos/Video: Magda Katz

Interviews: Sandi Durell