The Heart Sellers
January 31 - February 23, 2025
by Lloyd Suh
directed by Miranda Cornell
Featuring: Mai Lê and Alexandra Szeto-Joe
Scenic Design: Zhuosi (Joyce) He
Lighting Design: Christina Giannelli
Costume Design: Gisell Rubio
Sound Design: Anthony Barilla & Chris Bakos
Properties Design: Jodi Bobrovsky
Dialect Coach: Joy Lanceta Coronel
Stage Manager: Carlos Cantu
Show Control: Peter Nguyen
A1: Celeste Cerenio
Wardrobe Supervisor: Scout Anderson
Deckhand: Joel Lugo
Photography by Melissa Taylor Photography
PRESS
“Miranda Cornell, who notably worked on the Tony-winning musical The Outsiders last year as associate director, helms this production with compassion and clarity, allowing us to linger in the awkward lulls that come naturally to such getting-to-know-you arcs, refusing to shy away from the emotion that bubbles to the surface and sometimes pours out, and offering us a big, cathartic laugh at times. The production is intimate, with much warmth generated by the budding bond between Luna and Jane, played by Mai Lê and Alexandra Szeto-Joe.” - Natalie de la Garza, Houston Press
“A play with virtually no action that takes place entirely in one room can be a challenge for a director. It is fascinating to observe how skillfully The Heart Sellers director Miranda Cornell keeps both actors occupied with bits of business that bring realism and movement to the stage. Through her guidance, Luna and Jane never appeared rushed or confused. And most importantly, they never lose contact with the audience who are enjoying every moment of the performance, hanging on every word and cheering them on. It is clear Cornell loves and respects The Heart Sellers’ two female characters. She made sure we recognized that Luna and Jane brought with them from far away not just their fears, but their youthful hopes and many dreams.” - Adrienne Jones, Paper City Magazine
“Director Miranda Cornell, making her Stages debut fresh off her success as associate director of The Outsiders (which took home four Tony Awards in 2024, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical), orchestrates this intimate production with a deft touch. She brings out a full spectrum of emotions ensuring every moment, whether humorous or deeply poignant, resonates with the audience. Her experience working with young talent is evident, as she guides both actresses to fully inhabit their roles with a naturalism that feels effortless yet intentional.” - Jonathan Netek, BroadwayWorld
“New York City based director Miranda Cornell painted a masterpiece, drawing on two wonderfully talented actresses, Mai Lê and Alexandra Szeto-Joe; ladies with amazing resumes that were more than capable of taking up the task. Lê and Szeto-Joe's performance totally put the audience at ease. The two were the metals that created gold, as they guided the theatergoers through the roller coaster of emotions that were presented on stage.” - Ruben Borjas Jr., Woodlands Online