Photos by Laura Alvarez

Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, and Westport resident Sophie B. Hawkins brought her new original musical drama “Birds of New York” Monday evening with an exclusive script-in-hand performance at The Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.

Hawkins chose the library to showcase her playwriting debut, with original music, wholehearted storytelling, and emotional depth that promises to resonate with fans and theater lovers of all ages.

The “playsical,” as she referred to it, brings to life the story of an estranged daughter who returns home to New York City with her 7-year-old son to reconnect with her dying father. Amid the tensions of old conflicts with her mother and sister, she seizes on the opportunity to create a new family. When a painful childhood memory resurfaces, it sets the stage for forgiveness, healing, and redemption.

Fans of early 90s music and movie might remember her best for her platinum debut album “Tongues and Tails” and well-circulated radio like “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.” Her most recent album, Free Myself, was released in 2023 to international acclaim.

In addition to six studio albums, multiple awards, and sold-out concerts, Hawkins has lent her talent in movies and on television, singing songs that have appeared in recent hits “Stranger Things,” “Euphoria,” “Ozark,” and “PEN15,” and landmark series such as “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “The L Word.” Her onscreen appearances include the celebrated NBC series “Community,” the acclaimed documentary film “The Cream Will Rise,” and a critically lauded performance as Janis Joplin in the nationally touring play “Room 105.”

Currently in development, “Birds of New York” is directed by acclaimed Broadway and West End choreographer/director JoAnn M. Hunter (“School of Rock,” “Bad Cinderella,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”) and features an ensemble of Broadway and local talent, including actors Liz Larsen, Carlos Velasquez Escamilla, Sarah Stiles, Ren King, and Alysha Umphress.

Her performance at the library Monday evening comes in tandem with Hawkins’ 2025 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her second album, “Whaler.”

“One thing I’ve heard from people is that my songs have been like teachers to them, and helped them along on their journey,” Hawkins said. “I hope my music helps people feel more connected to their own heart. I hope it brings them closer to whatever makes them feel special and valuable. That’s what the music I love most has always done for me.”