Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Long Island debut of Ken Ludwig’s “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is set to be held at the Southampton Arts Center.
Starring Barbara Jo Howard and Jack Seabury, the show runs from February 13 to 15, with shows at 7 PM on Friday, February 13, 2 PM and 7 PM on Saturday, February 14, and 2 PM on Sunday, February 15 at the Southampton Arts Center.
According to a description of the show: “When two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday if the war will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship — before it even starts. Two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the poignant story of his own parents’ unlikely courtship during World War.”
Michael Disher directs the show. “I have always been a fan of Ken Ludwig’s comedies, but this one seemed a bit more personal. It’s also a World War II love story, which always appeals to me. Plus, I like providing our Center Stage patrons and the Southampton Arts Center with interesting new works, and maybe some that have been forgotten,” he said.
Disher said the idea of presenting the show as another Long Island premiere appeals. “And, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend. Historically, I have directed Gurney’s ‘Love Letters’, as many others have. I felt it was time to give another title a chance. And not unlike ‘Love Letters’, it is a two-character epistolary piece. Remember when people used to write letters? I still believe people love to receive a handwritten note, and in this case, the entire play is the letters between Jack Ludwig and Louise Rabiner.”
The show is a sweet homage to the power of eternal love, Disher noted. “It is a joyful piece, full of Ludwig’s wit and warmth. And a perfect, perfect Valentine’s weekend date.”
For tickets, visit Southampton Arts Center’s website.