Sophie B. Hawkins’ “Birds Of New York” Flies Into Westport

The world knows Sophie B. Hawkins as a platinum-selling international artist, painter, environmentalist, and LGBTQ+ and animal rights activist.

Westporters know her as our neighbor. So it’s only fitting that “Birds of New York” — the musical she’s spent 9 years writing and refining — should have an important script-in-hand performance at the Westport Library on June 9 (6:30 p.m.).

The show is a heartfelt story of an estranged daughter who returns home to New York with her 7-year-old son, to reconnect with her dying father. Amid tensions of old conflicts with her mother and sister, she seizes the opportunity to create a new family.

A painful childhood memory resurfaces, setting the stage for forgiveness, healing and redemption.

This is not Sophie’s first foray onto the stage. Years ago, she worked with Todd Meehan — the Tony Award-winning writer of “Annie” — on a show. But “like a lot of musicals,” she says, “it fell apart.”

“Birds of New York” is a solo effort. In between recording, touring, and raising her children, she crafted the characters and dialogue.

The key to it all is the music.

Sophie’s show had its first reading a year ago, at the Westport Country Playhouse barn. It was raw, and “great,” the playwright says.

But it was not yet finished. Based on feedback that night — and random people who stopped her later at places like Trader Joe’s — Sophie stripped it down.

“Like Georgia O’Keeffe, who wanted to see what she could do with 3 colors,” Sophie cut 2 characters from the show. Three now form its heart.

Every rewrite is a challenge. Now though, she says, “it represents the truth. I trust the process.”

Sophie B. Hawkins (Photo/Marc Andrew)

A second reading — with only the songs — at Joe’s Pub in New York gave Sophie confidence that she was on the right track.

She added more music. The process continued.

Sophie is not yet ready to invite producers to next month’s event, which is directed by Broadway and West End veteran JoAnn Hunter

“This is for me, and whoever shows up,” she says. “After this, we can really see the most impactful scenes and structure.”

Sophie  B. Hawkins, in action. (Photo/Nigel Dick)

Following the Library, she’ll get it in front of industry movers, who can help take it forward — to New York, Williamstown or wherever.

“Birds of New York” has already developed a cult following. Sophie recently performed on a 3-day cruise. Several people on board had seen — and loved it — at Joe’s.

Westporter Susan Westphal, who is working with Sophie on the show, saw it at the Playhouse barn. She was “in awe of the such deep, rich, complicated characters,” along with the music.

The Trefz Forum at theWestport Library – which Sophie loves — is a great fit.

Local talent includes Carlos Velasquez Escamilla,, a 9-yar-old student at Triple Threat Academy who performed in Staplesl Players’ “Elf.”

On June 9, Sophie B. Hawkins shows off her work to her friends and neighbors in town.

When it moves on to much bigger stages, we can say we knew it when.

Tickets and more information about “Birds of New York” are available here.