Kay Matschullat stages Carson McCullers Talks About Love, which will officially open May 5 and run through June 4. Vega and Tony Award-winning Spring Awakening composer Duncan Sheik penned music for the piece about the writer of "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" and "The Member of the Wedding."

According to Rattlestick, "In Carson McCullers Talks About Love, Suzanne Vega performs the role of the iconic author Carson McCullers, reminiscing about her life, her loves and her art. While explaining herself, McCullers wrestles with the demons that have intruded on her from the beginning of her life. Seamlessly moving between spoken word and song, Ms. Vega channels the resilient spirit and relentless humor of Ms. McCullers in a way that reveals the meeting of two souls in a single work of art. A compelling hybrid of music and theatre, Carson McCullers Talks About Love is a musical portrait of one of the most important figures in American literature."

Vega is best known for her 1987 song "Luka," as well as the single "Tom's Diner." Her latest thematic album venture "Suzanne Vega: Close Up," which explores her previous material in a new intimate setting, includes "Vol. 1 Love Songs" and "Vol. 2 People & Places." "Vol. 3 States of Being" will be released in May.

Gerry Leonard music-directs. The design team includes Louisa Thompson (scenic design), Jessica Pabst (costume design), Lenore Doxsee (lighting design) and Nick Kourtides (sound design).

Vega premiered Carson McCullers Talks About Love at Columbus State University Feb. 18 to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the birth of McCullers. The work received an earlier reading Jan. 18 at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center in Troy, NY. For tickets, priced $55, phone (212) 868-4444 or visit Smarttix.

Visit rattlestick.org. The Rattlestick Playwrights Theater is located at 224 Waverly Place (between West 11th and Perry St.).