The play “Love Letters”, on stage at the Edge Center in Bigfork, June 11th and 12th is “surprisingly different” for both actors and audiences. First of all, it is done in an epistolary, or written letters, form. It has two actors reading the letters, mostly at the characters’ desks. No other settings required. “Love Letters” has been around since 1989, and was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in drama in 1990. Being very successful, it has been performed by some of the most notable actors in the industry. And finally, it is a love story that really works in this setting. Written by A. R. Gurney, “Love Letters” may make you laugh, chuckle, make you feel sad or even cry, but it will leave a lasting impression. Wednesday and Thursday June 11th and 12th at 7PM. Price $12 adults. Children $5.
“A unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, ‘needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.’ The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.” From http://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?key=996
The two actors playing the parts in Bigfork are long-time EdgeWild players, Jeremy Cable and Patricia Feld. Patricia says, “Audiences are surprised by this play because of its form, and theatre companies and actors find it appealing because of its ease of production. It has attracted the talents of many famous performers and a multitude of community theatres have produced it. It’s funny and it’s touching. I’m impressed how the two personalities of the characters really come through in the letters. And what a good evening of theatre it is! Come and see Jeremy and me try our hands at making you smile, laugh, and get involved in these two lives.”
“Love Letters” opened in 1989 as an off-Broadway production, and later that same year, moved to Broadway. The list of famous performers who have played these roles is amazing. Melissa has been played by notables including Elizabeth Taylor, Carol Burnett, Sissy Spacek, Jill Saint-John. Andrew has been played by Mel Gibson, Brian Dennehy, James Earl Jones, and Larry Hagman, to name just a few.
Photo by Monica Simmons
American playwright and novelist, A. R. Gurney was born November 1, 1930. His works not only include plays but several novels and a musical. A graduate of St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, he then attended the Yale School of Drama, and began teaching Humanities at MIT. One of his plays, “The Dining Room,” was a huge success and allowed him to write full-time. That play was produced in Bigfork in 2004. Some Edge-goers may remember one of his comedies “Sylvia.” Jeremy Cable starred in that cast. Gurney’s credits include “The Cocktail Hour,” “Scenes From American Life,” and, his newest, “The Grand Manner.” In 2006, he was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._R._Gurney
Here is a chance to see a wonderfully unusual play format. It is just the second time the Edge Center has presented such a format. Come and see what is going on at the Edge. And while you are there you can see the newest exhibit in the Edge Center Galley. Native American artist Steven Premo has his first solo exhibit in the gallery now. Play times Wednesday and Thursday June 11th and 12th at 7PM. Price $12 adults. Children $5.
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