Jamaican-born playwright and actor David Heron is celebrating a full-circle moment in his career, as he prepares to produce and direct the 25th anniversary performance of his hit comedy Love and Marriage and New York City—the very play that opened the doors to his international success and earned him his U.S. green card.
“My ‘green card play’ Love and Marriage and New York City was not only a critical and commercial success, but earned me the green card that changed the entire course of my life and career,” Heron says.
The special staged reading will take place on Sunday, June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month. A complimentary reception, courtesy of Golden Krust Caribbean Cuisine, will be held beforehand at 5:30 p.m.
David Heron, winner of the 2023 Broadway World Award for Best Supporting Performer for The Tempest at the Colonial Theatre of Rhode Island, says the anniversary performance is both a personal milestone and a celebration of his immigrant journey.
Though many assume the play was written after years in the U.S., David Heron actually premiered it in Jamaica in 1999, followed by a U.S. debut in South Florida in 2000. Its growing acclaim led to UK tours, an Off-Broadway run at the Billie Holiday Theatre, and selection for the National Black Theatre Festival in 2007—milestones that helped Heron qualify for permanent residency in the U.S.
“The great irony in my life is that I wrote a play about Jamaicans trying to get green cards, and wound up being a Jamaican who got my own green card because of it,” he says. “This is truly a full circle moment.”
The story follows two Jamaican couples—Jessica and Theo, Natalie and Damian—who enter marriages of convenience in Manhattan, only to find that love complicates their plans. The 2025 cast includes Denise Hunt as Jessica, Shevrado Oliver as Damian, James Duke Walker as Theo, and Gabrielle C. Archer as Natalie. Hunt returns to the production after playing Natalie in the 2003 UK tour.
Heron drew inspiration from friends’ anecdotes and classic rom-coms like Working Girl, As Good As It Gets, and Notting Hill. With his green card secured, he carved out a notable acting career, appearing in The Emperor Jones, Pecong, and Moon on a Rainbow Shawl, and originating roles in Marley – The Musical and Robinson Crusoe.
Educated at Wolmer’s Boys’ School and the University of the West Indies, Heron was active in performing arts from a young age. He left the stage briefly for a corporate career before returning with his debut play Ecstasy. That was followed by hits like Intermission, Against His Will, and Redemption.
Now a naturalized citizen, Heron is also mentoring the next generation of artists in his family, including grand-niece Lauren ‘LC’ Campbell and grand-nephew Adam Christian. “I look forward to them joining their uncle here in the Big Apple one day so we can take over the town!”
The 25th Anniversary performance is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, Mesidor PLLC, Results Promo and Marketing, and IMC Media.
Tickets are available at loveandmarriagetheplay.eventbrite.com. Students may attend free by calling 646-533-7021.
Location: Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432.
