Theater Performance: Love Letters

First produced in 1988, Love Letters was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Using the epistolary form sometimes found in novels, they sit side by side at tables and read the notes, letters and cards – in which over nearly 50 years, they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats – that have passed between them throughout their separated lives.

“When I was an 18 year old freshman at Boston University majoring in acting, one of the biggest thrills were the drop-in teachers who would take time out of their careers to cheer on young hopefuls. Faye Dunaway came after Bonnie & Clyde. Signe Hasso stopped by from her national tour of Hedda Gabler. Most impressive for me was an actor who came back several times and shared his knowledge and encouragement. His name was Kevin McCarthy. His breakthrough role came as Bif Lohman in the 1951 film of Death Of A Salesman starring Frederick March. Kevin was nominated as Best Supporting Actor for that performance. From that point he appeared in scores of films and tv shows, most notable to the general public would be his starring turn in The Body Snatchers in 1956.

A founding member of The Actor’s Studio, Keven demystified a lot of things I was trying to learn. He shared generously and kindly and I have always thought of him with genuine respect and friendship.

Later in life, Kevin and his wife, Kate often did the play Love Letters together. This great A.R. Gurney classic has been done by so many great pairings of actors (including me and my old pal, Betsy Palmer.) So it is kind of wonderful that Kate has agreed to do this play with me as a benefit for Lower Cape Outreach Council.

The wheel goes round.” – Larry Marsland