A Letter to Harvey Milk Tickets

“A Letter to Harvey Milk” is a powerful and moving Broadway musical that tells the story of a Jewish man who finds comfort in writing letters to Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California. The show explores themes of identity, acceptance, and grief through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences.

Written by Lesléa Newman and co-composed by Laura I. Kramer, the musical premiered off-Broadway in 2018 before making its way to the Great White Way in 2019. While it has yet to become a household name, “A Letter to Harvey Milk” has captivated audiences with its emotionally charged performances and hauntingly beautiful music.

The show begins with Harry Weinberg, an elderly Jewish widower played by Adam Heller, deciding to enroll in a memoir-writing class after retiring from his job as a butcher. There, he meets Barbara Katsef, a young lesbian instructor portrayed by Julia Knitel, who encourages him to write about anything he wants. Harry eventually decides to write letters to Harvey Milk to process his feelings of loss and isolation.

Throughout the show, Harry’s letters reveal his struggles with accepting his daughter’s decision to marry outside of their religion, as well as the overwhelming sense of grief he feels after losing his wife. These themes are interwoven with flashbacks to Harry’s teenage years, where he fell in love with his childhood friend Lillian, played by Cheryl Stern, and struggled with his own sexuality.

The dynamic between Harry and Barbara is central to the show’s narrative, showcasing the importance of finding connections across generations and identities. As the two work together on Harry’s story, they both learn valuable lessons about acceptance and compassion.

The music of “A Letter to Harvey Milk” is a standout feature of the show. With compositions ranging from upbeat Broadway numbers to poignant ballads, each song serves to deepen our understanding of Harry’s journey. Highlights include “I Scared Myself,” a powerful duet between Harry and Lillian, and “San Francisco 1978,” a celebratory anthem that captures the spirit of Harvey Milk’s political movement.

Overall, “A Letter to Harvey Milk” offers an insightful perspective on the intersection of religion, sexuality, and culture. With memorable performances and a touching story, it’s no wonder why audiences have been moved by this show. Whether you’re a diehard Broadway fan or simply looking for a compelling tale of self-discovery, “A Letter to Harvey Milk” is a must-see production.