FORT MADISON - Old Fort Players launches their 2022/2023 Season on October 7th, but despite a busy rehearsal schedule, two actors took time out to entertain a group of Seniors with Neihart Tours and Travel this past Wednesday. The group enjoyed an exclusive performance of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, “Love Letters.”
“Love Letters” written by A.R. Gurney, was produced by Special Arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. The two-person cast was filled by long-time veteran actor/directors, Ty Clute and Dorothy Schulte. Helping out with the event were Matt Abel on lights and Mike Randolph at the concession stand. Also on hand to host the event were Richar Abel and Kim Albers.
The play is a simple, but dramatic telling of a bittersweet love story between two flawed, but sympathetic, engaging people. 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.
As friendship turns to romance, 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, her marriage in tatters, Melissa drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but is it too late for them to find happiness together?
From moments of laugh out loud one liners to heartbreaking revelations that make it eloquently clear how much these two really meant, and gave to, each other over the years. While they lived physically apart, they were spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.
If you would like to give the gift of entertainment to your employees, large family gathering, tour group or organization, contact the theater to schedule a one-time performance. Ask about our large group discount. The theater’s convenient downtown location is available to rent for your seminar, staff meeting, small concert or other event.
And be sure to attend one of the six fall performances of “Four Old Broads” running October 7-9 and 14-16. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 and the Sunday matinee begins at 2:00 pm. Adult tickets are $15, Senior, Vet & Military are $12, and Students are $10.
The theater is located in downtown Fort Madison at 725 Avenue G. Send a Facebook message or an email to oldfortplayersfm@gmail.com or call 319-372-9559 for more information. Like them on Facebook (Fb@oldfortplayers) to keep up with everything that’s going on.
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