by A.R. Gurney
February 10-12 and 14, 2023
The Citadel Stage
Port Huron, Michigan
Love Letters was a co-production with Enter Stage Right.
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war, Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong, and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics, and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, while her marriage is in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually, she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However, Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant and gave to each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.
Cast
Melissa Gardner: JENNIFER EVENSON
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III: TYRONE EVENSON
Crew
Director and Set Designer: TOM KEPHART
Sound and Lighting Operator: COLIE GOTTSCHALK
Producer for Enter Stage Right: BRIAN SPAIN
Producer for The Borderline Theatre Group: TOM KEPHART