Melissa Leo to Star in Off-Broadway’s Heart of the City

Oscar nominee Melissa Leo is set to star in Eric Lane’s Heart of the City. Directed by Martha Banta, the new play begins performances at the Theatre at 30th Street on June 11.

Leo received a 2009 Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her work as Ray Eddy in Frozen River. The role also won her an Independent Spirit Award, a Best Actress SAG Award nomination and recognition as one of 10 actors to watch from Variety. She is also known for portraying Detective Kay Howard on Homicide: Life on the Streets and for her film work including The Young Riders, 21 Grams and Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.

Heart of the City is the quintessential New York tale from a woman on the ultimate date-from-Hell to a mismatched romance on the Brooklyn IRT to a young artist trying to juggle inspiration and a survival job to a couple hoping to conceive a child, plus a lesson on the proper way to make a Matzo ball. The new play combines humor, joy, sorrow, love and romance as it takes audiences on a ride of the heart.

The off-Broadway production of Heart of the City will be presented by Fern Kershon and Orange Thought Productions. Additional casting and creative team will be announced at a future date.