CINCINNATI (Oct. 21, 2025) – Two recent immigrants to the U.S. find solace and companionship in each other as they cook their first Thanksgiving dinner in THE HEART SELLERS, a new comedy opening Oct. 30 in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre, with previews beginning Oct. 25. The production runs through Nov. 23.
It’s evening on Thanksgiving Day in 1973. Luna, from the Philippines, and Jane, from Korea, are new to the country, both married to overworked medical residents and left alone on a holiday that centers on togetherness. As they attempt to cook their first Thanksgiving dinner (with a frozen turkey!) in two hours, these new friends carve out a relationship that transcends culture and language in what Broadway World called, “A love letter to friendship” and Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel called a “stunning comedy.”
“It’s like a buddy love story between two Asian immigrant women, set in 1973, on the evening of Thanksgiving, when they’re dealing with feelings of homesickness and belonging,” explains director Desdemona Chiang.
THE HEART SELLERS is written by Lloyd Suh, a Pulitzer Prize finalist who also wrote The Chinese Lady, produced in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse during the 2022-23 season. Audiences who enjoyed The Chinese Lady will recognize Suh’s ability to trace the tension between how America sees its immigrants and how immigrants see themselves, while mining the humor and resilience found in that space.
The production derives its name from the Hart-Celler Act, passed by Congress in 1965 which expanded immigration to the U.S. Chiang, whose mother emigrated to the U.S. in the wake of Hart-Celler, drew on her mother’s experiences to imagine what life might have been like for characters Luna and Jane. She also encouraged the cast to draw from their families’ experiences.
“The actors, in particular, asked their moms about what it was like coming here. Because for most immigrant kids, you kind of forget, because we’re so self-absorbed and we’re so interested in our own identity here, you kind of forget that our parents had an entire life before you existed. The entire version of themselves that they left behind in order to reinvent who they are, to make it work in this country,” Chiang explains.
CAST AND PRODUCTION
- Bridget Kim Jane
- Angeleia Ordoñez Luna
- Lloyd Suh Playwright
- Desdemona Chiang Director
- Sasha Jin Schwartz Set Designer
- Christine Tschirgi Costume Designer
- Marcella Barbeau Lighting Designer
- Sharath Patel Sound Designer
- Stephanie Klapper, CSA Casting Director
- Tenley Pitonzo* Stage Manager
- Sparrow Mansfield Production Assistant
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary based on seating location and performance day. Previews take place on Oct. 25, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, with opening night taking place on Oct. 30. Beginning Oct. 31, performances will take place on Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.
EVENTS
Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
- Sat., Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
- Tue., Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
- Wed., Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Night
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!
- Thu., Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Expert Experiences: Food for Thought with Debra Hildebrand
- Mon., Nov. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30.
“That looks delicious! But can you eat it?” If you’re curious about how stage magic is made, join us to gain hands-on insight into the artistry and problem-solving that go into creating convincing food props using unexpected materials — like in our production of The Heart Sellers. Debra Hildebrand, the longtime Rosenthal Shelterhouse Properties Running Crew Lead, will share the secrets, techniques and creativity behind crafting realistic fake food props in this hands-on, 90-minute class.
For more information or reservations, visit cincyplay.com or call 513-421-3888.
Art Talks
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
Audio-Described Performance
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.
Asianati Food Truck Pop-up
- Saturday, Nov. 22, from 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Performance at 2 p.m.
Join us for a pre-show Food Truck Pop-Up event co-hosted with Asianati on Saturday, November 22 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Some of Cincinnati’s favorite local food trucks – seen at events like Asian Food Fest – will be selling delicious food and celebrating Asian American culture in Cincinnati. You don’t have to attend the performance to stop by the Food Truck Pop-Up to eat! Don’t miss this chance to build community and connect while enjoying a tasty lunch. Check back for details on specific food trucks. (Note: The food trucks will be the only pre-show food service that afternoon.)
ADVISORY
THE HEART SELLERS is recommended for older teenagers and adults. New to America, two women spend Thanksgiving together sharing their hopes, dreams and a bottle (maybe two) of wine. Using some adult language, their conversation includes the Asian immigrant experience and communism, as well as several references to the male anatomy.
SPONSORS
Production Sponsors are Ron Matson and Daniel Young. Honorary Producer is Karlee L. Hilliard. Design Sponsors are Jeb and Nirvani Head. Artist Sponsors are David and Elaine Billmire. Media Sponsor is Cincinnati Public Radio/91. WVXU News. The 2025-26 Season is presented by the Vontz Family.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.
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