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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. The Heart Sellers Also see Susan's reviews of The Inheritance, Part One and Damn Yankees
Luna (Francesca Fernandez), from the Philippines, and Jane (Jeena Yi), from South Korea, have come to this mid-sized city to join their husbands, who became eligible for U.S. job opportunities through a 1965 law called the Hart-Celler Act–a name that, as the women say, could also refer to what happens to the hearts of people starting fresh lives in an unfamiliar country. The year is 1973, which comes through vividly in Marcelo Martinez Garcia's set design with its aqua wall-mounted phone and avocado green cabinets, not to mention Fernandez's macrame vest (costumes designed by Helen Q. Huang) and the two multicolored crocheted afghans in the living room. The two women do not know each other well, but their husbands work together. It's Thanksgiving Day and Luna, the more outspoken and assertive of the two, has invited Jane home after meeting her in the supermarket. The women are not sure exactly what the holiday celebrates, and their husbands have to work that day, but Luna has bought a frozen turkey and is determined to do her best to assimilate. Gambini keeps the action moving at a leisurely but not slow pace as shy Jane becomes more open. The women try to figure out the political differences between the U.S. and their home countries (then-President Richard M. Nixon has an audio cameo) and find some shared interests, like dancing to the music on the television show "Soul Train" and admiring Jane Fonda. Both women admit that they have gained a good part of their knowledge of American culture from visiting Kmart. The performers have developed a natural rapport with a warmth that radiates off the stage. The development of their friendship is low-key yet profound as both Luna and Jane learn from each other and, in a small way, move together toward becoming part of their new country. The Heart Sellers runs through October 26, 2025, in the Milton Theatre at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW, Washington, DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-332-3300 or visit www.studiotheatre.org. By Lloyd Suh Cast: |
