Hayley Podschun Takes Part In Post-Show Talkback For I CARRY YOUR HEART At 59E59 Theaters
I Carry Your Heart, a new play by Georgette Kelly about how organ donation can bond two families, is premiering at 59E59 Theaters just in time for Donate Life Month. The play begins performances on March 30 for a limited engagement through April 14. Each show features a post-discussion about the power of organ donation.
I Carry Your Heart gives actress and organ donation advocate Hayley Podschun, who most recently appeared in Rodgers and Hart's I Married an Angel at the New York City Center and on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, a unique chance to combine her passion for theater and organ donation. Hayley, who volunteers with LiveOnNY, a nonprofit that facilitates organ donation, will be sharing her story after the performance on Sunday, March 31.
In advance of her talk-back, Hayley shares her experiences with organ donation with BroadwayWorld.
Why is organ donation so important to you?
Organ donation is so important to me because I was able to see firsthand what a beautiful gift it can be to someone in need. My cousin, who was basically my sister, was killed in a car accident in February 2016. After her passing, she was able to save more than four lives with her organ donations. Her heart is still beating in a young boy and I find that beyond incredible.
What do you wish people knew about organ donation?
You can choose which organs you would like to donate. Just because you choose to be a donor doesn't mean it's an all or nothing situation.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about organ donation?
I think the biggest misconception is that if you are listed as a donor, the doctors will not try to save your life. I know I used to believe that myself, but it could not be further from the truth. You can learn more about how the process works at liveonny.org.
Tell me about the post-show talkbacks and why you are doing them?
I'm looking forward to being involved with I Carry Your Heart because it's combining both of my worlds: theater and organ donation. I've been working on Broadway since the age of 12 so to see a show that talks about organ donation, a topic that has a deep impact in my personal life, I'm really excited to support it.
Do you think we need more plays, TV shows and movies about organ donation? Why?
Absolutely. I think it's a subject that people think they know "enough" about, but once you learn all the statistics, and how it actually works, it really changes your perspective in the best way. Yes, there are very difficult and emotional moments but the thing to remember is, we are all humans and if we can help each other out, why not do it?
How can people register as organ donors?
They can visit one of my favorite websites: donatelife.net
I Carry Your Heart runs at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues) from Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, April 14. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Friday at 7:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM; Sunday at 2:30 PM. Single tickets are $25 ($20 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call the 59E59 Box Office at 646-892-7999 or visit www.59e59.org.
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