Friday, October 7th – Sunday, October 9th Friday, October 14th – Sunday, October 16th This two-weekend production replaces Arsenic and Old Lace in our 2011 Season Pulitzer Prize-nominated comedy/drama by A.R. Gurney Produced by Al & Maureen Edick Directed by Julie Vorus This critically acclaimed play, which the Wall Street Journal called “exhilarating, funny, and moving,” has attracted tens of thousands of audience members to presentations around the world. It has been performed by a list of recognized actors that reads like a “Who’s Who” of Oscar and Emmy award winners: Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Reeve, Kathleen Turner, Christopher Walken, Richard Kiley, Marsha Mason, George Segal, Stockard Channing, Jason Robards, Julie Harris, Elizabeth Montgomery, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Timothy Hutton…and the list goes on. The play traces the lifelong correspondence between staid, dutiful lawyer Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and lively, unstable artist Melissa Gardner. The compelling story of their bittersweet relationship gradually unfolds from what is written--and left unsaid--in their letters, cards, and notes to each other from childhood through middle age. This particular production recently made its triumphant “off Broadway” debut when, after weeks of preparation by the actors, BLT hosted a one-night, special performance to benefit a church congregation in Transylvania County that had lost its building to a devastating fire. A financial and artistic success, the performance ended with a standing ovation, shouts of “You were awesome!” and subsequent, complimentary notes to Ms. Vorus and Mr. Narsavage from audience members. In the light of such an auspicious debut, BLT’s board of directors deemed the production worthy to replace Arsenic and Old Lace when that play could not be cast. Nevertheless, the show is not for everyone. Despite its simple premise and staging, Love Letters gives more sophisticated theatre-goers the opportunity to build their own visual framework in which to encase the words and emotions expressed by the actors. The audience members, initially only amused observers, are ultimately drawn into the whirlwind surrounding the characters—emotions and situations often described in “adults only” language. Patrons seeking a stimulating, challenging theatre experience will find it in Love Letters. "Stunning and excellent….Together you and Joe were remarkable. I loved the play itself. I was drawn into the relational dynamic and found myself empathizing with both characters."—C.H., Ph.D., Brevard “You and Julie were magnificent last night, as we told each of you after the show. [My wife] and I were bursting with pride to witness and hear another of your outstanding productions. This was the best yet!”—T.F., Brevard CAST: Andrew Makepeace Ladd III.........Joe Narsavage Melissa Gardner ..........................Julie Vorus PERFORMANCES: October 7th* & 8th (Friday & Saturday) at 8 PM; doors open 7 PM October 9th (Sunday) at 3 PM (Doors open 2 PM) October 14th & 15th (Friday & Saturday) at 8 PM; doors open 7 PM October 16th (Sunday) at 3 PM; doors open 2 PM *Complimentary opening night reception after October 7th performance provided by Earthshine Mountain Lodge (Click here to visit its website!) TICKETS: $16 (adults) & $10 (full-time students). BLT season tickets apply. Reduced rates available for groups of 10 or more; call (828) 884-BLTReservations [884-2587]. ADVANCE SALES: Theater box office, in newly air-conditioned, historic American Legion Hall at 55 East Jordan Street in Brevard, will be open Thursdays and Fridays, 10 AM - 1 PM, September 29th through October 14th. PHONE RESERVATIONS: Call (828) 884-BLTReservations [884-2587] starting Monday, September 12th for phone reservations; anytime for other BLT information. |
