The Milwaukee Rep presents: THE HEART SELLERS

Nicole Javier and Narea Kang in the Milwaukee Rep's production of THE HEART SELLERS, through March 19, 2023. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

By Mary Boyle
 
In 2017, the Milwaukee Rep produced Lloyd Suh’s play The Chinese Lady as their second production in their John (Jack) D. Lewis new Play Development Program to rave reviews.  Of course, shortly after they commissioned a new play from Suh, an intimate story of new friendship and the American Dream set in the 1970’s, the pandemic hit.  The Rep’s Artistic Director Mark Clements explains that the pandemic helped to birth this play, as the script was written over zoom meetings and workshops through the height of the crisis, when themes of loneliness, community, generosity, and finding friendship during the most turbulent time of your life resonated in a deeper way.  Now, this beautiful World Premiere production has finally made its way to the stage for Milwaukee area audiences and, trust me, THE HEART SELLERS is a play you shouldn’t miss.

Directed by acclaimed, LA-based director Jennifer Chang, The Heart Sellers tells the story of Luna (Nicole Javier), a recent immigrant to the US from the Philippines whose husband is working at his residency at a nearby hospital.  Luna finds herself alone at the grocery store on Thanksgiving when she recognizes the wife of another resident, Jane (Narea Kang), who is also a recent immigrant, but from China.  Impulsively, Luna invites Jane back to her apartment to celebrate a holiday that is not theirs but feels uniquely American.  Through language barriers and cultural differences, these two lonely women find they have a lot in common and, as we follow along, we realize that we, too, can relate to their story.

Alternately hysterical and heartbreaking, The Heart Sellers is a simple and small production that will affect you in a big way.  For those that remember the time, the scenic design by Tanya Orellana does a very effective job of transporting the audience to the 1970’s, complete with the yellow pages, the long, spiral telephone cord stretched across the room, and news of Richard Nixon on the radio.  Javier and Kang, who both make their Rep debuts, deliver impeccable performances and are a joy to watch.  The Rep’s intimate Stiemke Studio is the perfect venue for this play, which runs in one act.  All I can really say about this one is that you should see it if you can; it will change your heart for the better.

THE HEART SELLERS runs through March 19th at the Stiemke Studio, located at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by calling the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490, or in-person at 108 E Wells Street in Milwaukee.  Group tickets are available for parties 10+ by calling 414-290-5340.
 
About Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with three unique performance venues in the Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex– the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio and Stackner Cabaret. For over six decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity.