Heart On Fire: A Student-Led Musical Brings History to Life

Feature by Sophie Valencia

Few productions capture the raw energy and ambition of student-driven theatre quite like Heart On Fire, a new musical that premiered this February at Notre Dame. Written by senior Olivia Seymour in collaboration with Notre Dame’s Film, Television, and Theatre department, the show is a testament to the power of student creativity, passion, and perseverance.

What is Heart On Fire?

Developed through the New Works Lab, Heart On Fire began as a class project before evolving into a full-scale production. Olivia Seymour spent months refining the script and score under faculty mentorship, eventually pitching the show for staging. Now, after an intensive workshop process, her vision has come to life with an entirely student-led cast and creative team.

The Story of Heart On Fire

Set against the backdrop of 1960s California, the musical follows sisters Lisa and Cassie as they navigate the era’s cultural upheaval. With the Vietnam War escalating and the counterculture movement gaining momentum, Lisa clings to stability, running their late mother’s diner, while Cassie is drawn to the revolution beyond their doorstep. Their diverging paths force them to confront not only their differences but also their evolving identities as young women in a rapidly changing world.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of Notre Dame’s Student Musical

With its deeply personal origins and student-driven execution, Heart On Fire is not just a musical, but it’s a celebration of the talent and dedication of Notre Dame’s student artists. For many involved, Heart On Fire represents more than just another production—it’s a unique opportunity to be part of something built from the ground up by fellow students.

Senior Isabel Mahoney, an ensemble member, shares what a defining experience it’s been performing in a student-led musical at Notre Dame. 

What role do you play in the production, and how would you describe your character?

Being a member of the ensemble in Heart On Fire has been an incredible privilege. In my role, I embody a diner patron, channel the quintessential ‘60s hippie for much of the show, and contribute to the production’s deeper layers through abstract choreography. Each aspect of being a member of the ensemble has been a source of immense joy for me. Collaborating closely with both the ensemble and the titular characters, my goal is to help to construct the rich and immersive world of the performance.

Delving into the cultural movements of the 1960s in the United States has been particularly rewarding. This research has been essential in shaping the diverse characters I portray, as it deepened my understanding of the complex emotions experienced by young people in Los Angeles and San Francisco during that era. By embracing the era’s turbulent spirit and inherent conflicts, I’ve worked to maintain an authentic connection to the time period and to demonstrate the challenges and passions of that transformative decade.

Can you share a fun or memorable moment from rehearsals?

Rehearsals have been full of so many chaotic, joy-filled, and wonderful moments with the cast and crew. This is my first ever production at Notre Dame, and I am so grateful for how welcoming and inclusive everyone has been to me throughout this process. One moment that stands out to me when I reflect on rehearsals is when we all learned the finale song and finally executed the harmonies correctly—the crew was dancing and celebrating as we all sang around the piano with Solomon leading us. It’s the most wonderful feeling to finally have that click happen when we, as a group, are able to cohesively achieve Olivia’s vision for the show, since that is the true motivating driver behind all the time and effort we have put into this production. We love the art, we love one another, and we’re all so grateful to be able to bring Olivia’s story to life.

How did the cast and crew come together to bring the story to life?

The first time I was introduced to this story was in the Musical Theatre Workshop Lab class I took in Fall 2024, and I was immediately captivated by the beauty of both the narrative and the music Olivia had crafted. It was clear from the start that her artistry is deeply personal, reflected in the richly developed characters and intricate storytelling.

From day one, the entire cast and crew have felt a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility in bringing this story to life. Working closely with Olivia and our director, Matt Hawkins, we have been dedicated to honoring her vision with integrity, focus, and passion. The collaborative process has been inspiring and immersive, as every rehearsal has been an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the story’s emotional core and refine the ways we communicate it to the audience. Whether through music, movement, or design, each element of the production has been meticulously shaped to ensure that we bring authenticity and depth to Olivia’s work.

Beyond the technical aspects, the cast has fostered a deep sense of camaraderie, creating an environment where we can take creative risks and support one another in fully embodying the world of the show. Matt always tells us to “crash” into moments in order to experiment with the impact of our creative choices, and it’s crucial to establish trust for that process to be effective. It’s been so enriching to watch how each person’s unique skill set contributes to making this production a vivid and powerful reflection of the story Olivia envisioned.

What do you think makes student-written plays special compared to traditional works?

Student-written plays bring a raw, unfiltered energy to the stage that is truly unique. Unlike traditional works, which have often been performed and analyzed for decades, student-written plays are living, breathing pieces of art in their earliest stages of development. There’s an unmatched sense of excitement and urgency in bringing a brand-new story to life, especially when the playwright is in the room.

Being part of the world premiere of Heart On Fire is an incredible privilege. There’s a collective sense of responsibility among us to do justice to Olivia’s vision. Student-written plays also foster a level of collaboration that is rare in more traditional works. Instead of working within established interpretations, we get to ask questions, take creative risks, and make discoveries in real time. It’s a thrilling process that reminds us of the power of storytelling and the impact that new voices can have in theatre.

What unique challenges came with performing a brand-new script?

Performing a brand-new script requires a completely different mindset than stepping into a well-established production. There’s no blueprint for how a character should be played or how a scene should unfold, as everything has been built from the ground up. As our director Matt Hawkins has reminded us since day one, working on new material is an entirely different ball game that demands flexibility, patience, and a willingness to experiment.

One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the constant changes throughout the rehearsal process. During tech week alone, we saw rewrites, scene adjustments, and musical refinements, all of which required the cast to stay on our toes and remain ready to say “yes” to any new developments. Even on opening night, last-minute tweaks were being made, reinforcing how dynamic and fluid new work can be. The whole experience has been so exhilarating, making our performances that much more rewarding. 🙂

Did you find any personal connections with your character or the story?

Absolutely! Heart On Fire is, at its core, a story about love, particularly the deep bond between sisters. While I don’t have sisters myself, I do have three brothers, and I understand firsthand the profound connection that comes with growing up alongside siblings. There’s something so moving about the relationships we have with our siblings: the way we fight, the way we protect each other, and the way, no matter what, that love endures.

Beyond sibling relationships, I’ve also connected with the show’s exploration of young people navigating a time of great social change. The 1960s were a period of upheaval, resistance, and transformation, and much of the show reflects the emotions of a generation trying to make sense of the world around them. As a young person today, I find that incredibly relatable. We are living in a time of cultural shifts and activism, where young voices are demanding change and striving to shape the future. Stepping into this world has made me reflect on how history repeats itself and how much we can learn from the past.

What do you want your audience members to take away from your performance?

More than anything, I want the audience to feel the depth of emotion woven into every aspect of Heart On Fire. This is a show that explores love, grief, rebellion, and hope, and I hope audience members walk away feeling deeply connected to those themes.

I also want people to reflect on how history echoes into the present. Young people are still fighting for their voices to be heard, searching for belonging, and navigating the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. I hope this show encourages people to see each other with more empathy and recognize how those connections resonate throughout history.

On a more personal level, I hope people see themselves in the relationships portrayed in the show. Whether it’s the bond between siblings, spouses, or friends, the longing for connection, or the courage to stand up for something greater, I hope everyone in the audience sees a piece of themselves in this story. At the end of the day, Heart On Fire is a celebration of humanity, and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of this production. 

Why Student Productions Matter at Notre Dame

The enthusiasm around Heart On Fire extends beyond the stage. This production is a powerful example of how student-driven projects can leave a lasting impact on both performers and audiences alike, blending a compelling story of sisterhood and self-discovery with the historical depth of the 1960s. The opportunity to see original student work performed at DPAC is exciting because it showcases the creativity, dedication, and talent of Notre Dame students. It provides a platform for emerging playwrights, composers, and performers to bring fresh, innovative stories to life while giving audiences a chance to experience something unique and deeply personal. Productions like Heart On Fire highlight the university’s commitment to fostering new voices in the arts and creating opportunities for student-led storytelling.

Whether you’re a fan of musical theatre, historical narratives, or simply love supporting original work, this is a show worth seeing. Get tickets before the final performance on March 2! 

Photos courtesy of Tre Goodhue.