ECU premieres ‘Wild Heart’, a modern take on Joan of Arc’s story

When people hear the name Joan of Arc, they often think of her tragic end. But Chelsea Marcantel’s new musical, Wild Heart, brought Joan’s often overlooked story to life in its world premiere in February at ECU.

It’s the story of Jehanne, better known to the world as Joan of Arc. The musical follows Jehanne, a poor and powerless teenager in France, who begins to see visions and hear voices from St. Catherine and St. Margaret. The saints tell Jehanne it is her destiny to leave home, take part in the Hundred Years’ War, save her people and change the world.

While the musical is set in the 15th century, the production features modern songs that audiences will recognize, including “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” by P!nk, “Hero” by Weezer and “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

Marcantel is a Los Angeles-based writer, director and collaborator who has staged and produced 14 full-length plays. Wild Heart is her first musical. Working alongside Marcantel was director Trent Blanton, an associate professor at ECU.

Blanton said the production was in the works for two years, from securing production rights to holding readings, beginning rehearsals and preparing for opening night.

“Marcantel is so fantastically generous on top of being a ridiculously talented writer. And she’s a big advocate for students and a big fan of training this group of actors. Wild Heart is such a lovely collaboration, and it really looks like a Broadway show,” he said.

Blanton discussed how School of Theatre and Dance students brought their characters to life — especially with no previous performances to reference.

“They know how to sing, they know how to dance and how to act, but it’s demanding different skills in certain ways. Those are the skills that are really, really needed. It’s making them stretch muscles they didn’t know they had, but they’ve been really successful,” Blanton said.

One example was Casey Wild, an ECU junior, the first to take on the lead role.

“It’s been very challenging stepping into the role of Joan and having such big shoes to fill. She is an amazing revolutionary, so bringing that to life on stage has been a definite challenge, but a very rewarding one,” Wild said before the premiere.

Despite the show having to be delayed a couple of days due to a snowstorm — even creating a Monday performance — Blanton said the house was nearly packed for each show. And he plans to keep looking for fresh ideas like Wild Heart.

“We’re going to continue to develop new materials here. It’s great exposure for us and the university,” he said.