by Claire DeMarco
“Love Letters” follows the lives of two people who have known each other since childhood. Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (Zach Wyatt) and Melissa Gardner (Tammy Wyatt) began their journey with the written word in grade school, sending little notes to one another during class. Their correspondence didn’t get off to a smooth start. When their teacher exposed them, Ladd and Gardner were forced to repeat “I will not write personal notes in class” multiple times.
Their relationship has fluctuated over the years as they have found themselves in different parts of the world, taken different career paths, married (and divorced), and had children. But they always keep corresponding.
As time goes on, Melissa has more issues than Andrew. She is a free spirit, an artist, and one who eventually has difficulties with excessive drinking. Her emphasis on the course her art takes is as fluid as her multiple marriages.
Andrew chooses a legal career, applies himself, and takes the next logical step for him by pursuing politics. He has a successful marriage and three sons.
The hint of jealousy rises from both sides when either one announces a new love interest or marriage. One wonders how deep their attachment is. Their relationship is complex and fluctuates between love, annoyance, jealousy, concern, and sympathy.
As they grow older, many more complexities within their own worlds demand more of their attention.
Does their relationship remain the same after fifty years of correspondence? Do they continue to write to one another?
Zach’s Ladd is strait-laced. He has set his career objectives from an early age; his path is straight forward, with no deviations. His physical delivery is spot on, and he sits stick-straight as he delivers his lines. As he grows older and faces certain family issues, his composure shifts from rigid to more relaxed and casual.
Tammy shines as her delivery is the opposite of Ladd’s. She flails her arms, makes faces as she reads her correspondence from Ladd, twists her ankles, and generally moves quite a bit. Tammy’s physical gymnastics and facial expressions tell us all we need to know about Melissa. She is a free spirit and spontaneous. When she experiences failure, she becomes more remorseful and sullen.
Independently, their performances are excellent, but in tandem, they excel. They complement each other, and their timing is perfect.
Special Note: Actors Zach Wyatt and Tammy Wyatt are a married couple, and their romance, which began in 2006, included exchanging letters and notes! This play must have special meaning to them.
Note: Lonnie, the Theater Lady, mentioned that this production was the third time she had seen this play. She told me that this production was the best one she’d ever seen.
A stamp of approval for this production of “Love Letters.”
“Love Letters” was written by A. R. Gurney.
Ed and Elaine Cassidy’s set design adds a nice touch to the story. Most productions of “Love Letters” take place on a bare stage with two uninteresting tables side by side. This set design reflects each character’s background and personality, with props and colors built around their unique traits.
Excellent direction by producer/director Ken Gargaro.
-CED
“Love Letters” is produced by Ken Gargaro. Performances run from February 12th to February 21st at Carnegie Stage, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA. For tickets and additional information, click here.
