NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- A musical written by former teen idol Robby Benson about his two open heart surgeries is now in previews at a New York theater.
Benson's near-fatal cardiac condition inspired his new musical, "Open Heart," at the Cherry Lane Theatre, the New York Daily News said Wednesday.
The actor underwent two major operations to replace a congenitally defective cardiac valve. In 1984, Benson's replacement valve came from a cow and in 1998, that one was replaced with one from a cadaver.
In addition to starring in the show, he also wrote the music, lyrics and story. Matt Williams, who created "Roseanne," directs.
"Open Heart" marks Benson's first New York stage appearance since 1981, when he replaced Rex Smith in "Pirates of Penzance" on Broadway.
Best-known for his performances in the 1970s and 1980s films "Ode to Billy Joe," "The Chosen," "One on One" and "Ice Castles," Benson disappeared from the public eye in the mid 1980s. He moved behind the scenes to direct, write, teach college and do voiceovers such as in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."
