“Night Side Songs” at Lincoln Center: A Musical Exploration of Life, Loss, and Connection

Presented at Lincoln Center Theater’s Claire Tow Theater through its LCT3 initiative, Night Side Songs is a deeply moving new musical that invites audiences into a shared experience of vulnerability, healing, and the power of community. Originally commissioned by American Repertory Theater, co-produced by A.R.T. At Harvard University and Philadelphia Theater Company, and featured in the Under the Radar Festival with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the production runs through Sunday, March 29, 2026 [Lincoln Center Theater].

A Story Rooted in Sontag’s Wisdom

The title, Night Side Songs, draws inspiration from a quote by Susan Sontag, who wrote, “Illness is the night side of life.” The musical delves into the life of Yasmine, portrayed by Brooke Ishibashi, as she navigates a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and its aftermath. The narrative explores the impact of illness not only on the individual but also on their loved ones – family, friends, and even medical professionals.

Innovative Staging and Immersive Experience

The production distinguishes itself through its minimalist staging and immersive approach. The set design, by Matt Saunders, features a bare floor, simple props like cell phones and chairs, and a striking circular sculpture of blue glass bottles suspended above the performance space. This sculpture, as revealed by Yasmine, symbolizes the interconnectedness of life. Director Taibi Magar utilizes lighting by Amith Chandrashaker and costumes by Jason A. Goodwin to subtly shift locales, characters, and moods without distracting from the core emotional narrative.

A Chorus of Voices

Night Side Songs actively engages the audience, providing copies of select lyrics – “The Night Side Songbook” – before the show and inviting participation through sing-alongs led by cast member Robin de Jesús. This communal singing, often echoing religious chanting, fosters a sense of unity and shared experience. The cast, including Mary Testa, Jonathan Raviv, and Kris Saint-Louis, embodies a range of roles, from family members and friends to doctors, each contributing to the multifaceted portrayal of life’s challenges.

Music as a Catalyst for Connection

The musical features twelve original songs by The Lazours, alongside a poignant rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Music Director Alex Bechtel, along with Daniel Lazour, provides orchestrations and masterful piano arrangements, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story. The music serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of love, loss, resilience, and the search for meaning.

Themes and Trigger Warnings

Night Side Songs tackles weighty themes of medical procedures, cancer treatments, caregiving, loss, and mortality. [Lincoln Center Theater] provides a trigger warning, advising viewer discretion due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. However, the production ultimately aims to offer a cathartic and unifying experience, highlighting the power of music, theater, and community to navigate life’s inevitable hardships.

Performance Details

Night Side Songs plays through Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Claire Tow Theater, located at 150 West 65th Street, NYC. Tickets, priced at $38.50 including fees, are available [online].