“When I work with a director and they have a better idea than me, I get a giddy feeling. It makes me happy to see the show get better and better each time we do it,” Benson said.

In addition to musicals and screenplays, Benson was most recently accredited with a best-selling novel.

The 52-year-old writer/actor’s novel, “Who Stole the Funny,” was on the LA Times Best Selling List last year.

“I think that is quite an accomplishment,” Benson said. “Once you do something like that, you are pretty well set.”

Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts and “Open Heart” director Randy West said that it has been a “thrill” working with Benson.

“He just has so much talent,” West said.

Showtimes for “Open Heart” are: June 20-21, 7:30 p.m.; June 21-22, 2 p.m.; June 26-28, 7:30 p.m. and June 28-29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the show are $25 and $35 dependent upon seating, or by season pass. For tickets or more information, call the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (641) 472-2787. Box office hours are 12 noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.