One Turkey, Endless Laughter: ‘The Heart Sellers’ Serves Up Friendship

Hands down, the production of “The Heart Sellers” now playing at Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is the most timely and welcoming comedy that captures the play’s essence by highlighting the immigrant experience as seen from two women’s perspective, and the central metaphor of breaking bread together, which is a key theme in Lloyd Suh’s play.

For me, this performance took on a special meaning as we just came off the historical Presidential Election and also Martin Luther King Day –  two events that created a complex emotional landscape for Americans.

The Heart Sellers is a delightful and poignant exploration of female friendship, immigration, and human connection. Set in 1973, this one-act play brings together Luna, a vibrant Filipina, and Jane, a reserved Korean woman, who meet by chance on Thanksgiving Day and form an unexpected bond.The play brilliantly captures the immigrant experience with warmth and humor, revealing the universal longing for connection that transcends cultural boundaries. The playwriter, Suh, masterfully weaves moments of comedy and deep emotional insight, creating a narrative that is both specific to the characters’ experiences and in which the audience can wholeheartedly relate.

Directed by FST’s Kate Alexander, the production shines through its nuanced performances. Almost immediately, the effervescent personalities of the two female actors draws you into the show where you keep a perpetual smile on your face throughout its one and a half hour performance.

The actors, Rona  Figueroa (Luna) and Michelle Heera Kim(Jane) bring incredible depth to their characters, allowing their friendship to blossom naturally and beautifully. Their chemistry on stage is electric, transforming a simple Thanksgiving encounter into a profound exploration of companionship and yes……survival.

Named after the Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965, the play subtly comments on immigration history while celebrating the resilience of women forging connections in a new and unfamiliar world. It’s a must-see theatrical experience that will touch your heart and expand your understanding of friendship, migration, and hope.

Here’s why the show is particularly poignant for the era. In 1973, the United States was experiencing several notable events:

1. It marked the 10th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, adding a somber note to the national mood
2. It was the first Thanksgiving in twelve years that the United States was at peace, following the end of direct U.S. military involvement in Vietnam
3. The country was still grappling with the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, which had occurred just a month earlier in October 1973

The characters’ experience of celebrating an American holiday while navigating their own cultural identities would have been particularly poignant against this backdrop. Additionally, 1973 was a significant year for space exploration, with the first Thanksgiving celebrated in space by the Skylab 4 astronauts. This event symbolizes the expanding horizons of human experience, mirroring the characters’ own journey into a new world. By setting the play in 1973, the playwriter creates a nuanced environment where themes of national identity, cultural adaptation, and the search for connection are heightened, making Luna and Jane’s friendship even more meaningful and relatable to audiences.

I’m a 70’s New York girl (sorry, NEW YAWK GAL). I love anything that has to do with the era. The setting of 1973 reflects significant societal changes and cultural shifts that were occurring in the United States during that time, AND I’m a history major. So this play really resonated with me.

1. Shifting attitudes: Americans experienced substantial changes in their perspectives, with growing skepticism toward government due to events like the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal1. This led to a focus on individualism and personal liberation.
2. Cultural transformation: The early 1970s saw a mainstreaming of social and cultural legacies from the 1960s. Long hair and unconventional clothing became more widely accepted, and attitudes toward sexuality outside traditional marriage became more relaxed, especially among younger generations
3. Political realignment: There was a notable shift in political power from the Northeast and Midwest to the South and Southwest, known as the “southernization” of American life1.
4. Social movements: The early 1970s witnessed the continued influence of various social movements, including:
   • The women’s rights movement, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations2
   • The gay rights movement, with greater visibility and activism leading to increased acceptance
   • The environmental movement, gaining momentum due to growing awareness of ecological issues
5. Religious changes: There was a trend of decreasing religiosity, particularly among younger generations who began questioning established belief systems.
6. Economic shifts: The post-war economic boom was coming to an end, leading to new economic challenges and changing perspectives on prosperity and social mobility1.

“These societal changes and cultural shifts in 1973 created a complex backdrop for social interactions, personal identities, and national discourse, reflecting a period of significant transformation in American society,” says a Professor of History from State University of South Florida who (ironically) was sitting next to me at the play.

Run, don’t walk to Florida Studio Theatre and see this show. And the performances of the two female actors in this show are OUTSTANDING (note: I have NYC high standards for artists).

IF YOU GO:

Buy Tickets Here

Showing now through February 22 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre.1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

Box Office: (941) 366-9000

info@floridastudiotheatre.org

~ Andrea Martone