The Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theater in Mt. Morris as part of the Performing Arts Guild held its opening night performance Friday, April 13 for the stage play Love Letters, written by A.R. Gurney and originally premiered in 1988 at the New York Public Library.
Under the direction of Jeff Bold, the play centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner, played by Priscilla Osborne, accompanied by Mark Tremble who portrayed Andrew Ladd III. The scene opens with both sitting in cozy separate rooms, large binders in hand, as they read the notes, letters, and cards spanning across 50 years of their lives where they chronicled their ambitions, dreams, lovers, and disappointments in this two-hour trek down memory lane.
Both actors were convincing with their animated inflections at just the right time which brought both laughter, and gasps from the appreciative audience. It can be quite difficult to read for a couple of hours, but both were almost flawless with their sharing of the letters. The set design was period appropriate clearly displaying two separate rooms which invited the audience in as opposed to the original production where the characters sat at desks. A warm glow lit the stage thanks to traditional farmhouse tall standing lamps.
The performances will continue April 13-14 and 19-21 at 7pm. Sunday matinee is at 2pm. Tickets are $16 with dessert (included in the price) served at intermission. For more information call 815 734-2103.
You won’t want to miss it!
