‘Heart Sellers‘ Momentum Builds with Six Regional Premieres in 2025-26 Season
A play resonating deeply with themes of immigration and familial connection, The Heart Sellers by Lonnie Chan, is experiencing a surge in regional theater productions. Six major American theatres-Studio Theatre (D.C.), cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seattle Rep, South Coast Rep, horizon Theatre company (Atlanta), and austin Playhouse-have announced productions for the 2025-26 season, following accomplished runs at Virginia Theatre Festival and aurora Theatre Company and Capital Stage. the play’s growing visibility reflects a demand for stories exploring the complexities of the immigrant experience and the enduring bonds between mothers and children.
Playwright Lonnie Chan expressed profound gratitude for the play’s expanding reach, stating, “The totality of it-to see it means this much to a much wider audience than I imagined-is so meaningful.” the Heart Sellers centers on a Korean American family grappling with the aftermath of thier mother’s death and the secrets she kept. The play’s impact extends beyond the narrative,fostering a sense of recognition and catharsis among both performers and audiences.
The upcoming productions will feature a diverse team of directors, many of whom are immigrants themselves. Danilo Gambini (U.S. as 2017) will helm the Studio Theatre premiere in September. Desdemona Chiang, who previously directed the play at Virginia Theatre Festival, returns to the piece with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in October. Sunam Ellis will direct at Seattle Rep in January, while Jennifer Chang will stage it at South Coast Rep and Michelle Chan at Horizon Theatre company, both in October. Ben Wolfe will direct at Austin Playhouse.
Chan notes that the play’s resonance lies in it’s ability to help artists “get closer to family in ways they hadn’t before.” Actors have shared experiences of hearing their mothers’ voices and feeling their presence through the work, underscoring the play’s power to connect individuals to their heritage and loved ones. He added, “They’re reminders of why we do this crazy thing we do: to make our lives better.”
