Music of Mega-Band Heart to Debut in Musical Reading Allies

Allies, a new rock-infused musical featuring the music of 70s and 80s power band Heart, will receive a special industry reading at The Zipper Factory on January 26. The staged concert reading, which is open to the public as seating allows, will be directed by Drama Desk nominee Samuel Buggein.

A concert-style musical, Allies follows the epic love triangle that rocks the lives of siblings Gabby and Chris Ford. Sister and brother Ford are as close as struggling twenty-something can be, but their bond is blown apart by the seductive arrival of a mysterious man, Matt Rhode. Part love rock show, part drama, Allies features legendary Heart hits including “Barracuda,” “These Dreams,” and “Alone.”

The reading stars former Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods competitor Celina Carvajal Tarzan, Dracula, Brian Charles Rooney The Threepenny Opera and Chris Hall Pinafore!, New York Fringe Festival, as well as stage directions read by Ryan Bogner Hey, You Know What Movie Would Make a Good Musical?.

Heart was founded in early 70s Seattle by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, eventually storming the charts and rocking as one of the only female bands with hits including “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man” and “Barracuda.” The band experienced something of a comeback during the 80s and 90s with chart toppers such as “What About Love,” “These Dreams” and “Alone.” Heart enjoyed 21 top 40 hits and sales of over 30 million records during their decade-spanning run. The Wilson sisters recently reunited under their former banner in 2002, releasing the acclaimed Jupiter’s Darling in 2004 and kicking off several new tours.

Allies features a book by Carvajal and Maggie F. Levin, as well as musical direction by Paul Laschen.