Marilyn de Lang attended the opening performance of LOVE LETTERS and prepared this wonderful play review for the show. Thank you so much Marilyn for all of the kind words and support! --------- Marilyn Lightstone and Cedric Smith star in Love Letters at Gravenhursts Opera House by Marilyn de Lang (Photo credit: Bryan White) Gravenhurst’s Opera House is closing its 80th season of summer theatre with a powerful production of Love Letters, a brilliant and poignant work that runs the emotional gamut from wry reflection to heartfelt laughter to empathetic tears. Written by American playwright and novelist, A.R. Gurney, it has been performed by luminaries such as William Hurt, Jason Robards, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lynn Redgrave. Actors Marilyn Lightstone and Cedric Smith are thrilled to present this play on Gravenhurst’s stage. Marilyn is a multiple Genie Award winner, the host of Classical 96 FM’s Nocturne, and the founding ‘voice’ for Bravo television. Cedric performed the title role in the Canadian musical, Billy Bishop Goes to War, and recently distinguished himself as the Wizard in the Mirvish production of The Wizard of Oz. They are both well known for their roles on the TV series, The Road to Avonlea. Love Letters is an ingenious theatrical piece that spans the lifetimes of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, revealing their deepest secrets in the letters they exchange over the decades. Andy and Melissa meet each other in second grade, and start their correspondence when they are sent to boarding schools. Through their shared words, they find mutual consolation, while challenging each other on choices made and paths not taken, and develop a deep intimacy that proves to fare better on paper than in person. The friendship evolves as their lives veer off in vastly different directions, but the rapport begun through their youthful epistles keeps their relationship authentic, tingling with romantic overtones that are often thwarted by the caprices of circumstance. The particular magic of this play is the rare opportunity to glimpse its characters through the lens of innocent childhood, and grow with them through triumphs and tragedies, laughing at their wit, and feeling their pain when life takes them into dark places. It is a deeply moving production, lovingly interpreted by two accomplished actors comfortable within their own years of camaraderie. “I wanted Cedric to join me,” says Marilyn, “because I know what he can do with words.” Cedric confesses that playing the role of a conservative American politician is new territory, but he was intrigued by his character’s complexity. “Every time I perform it,” he says, “something new ties in.” The dialogue interplay is perfectly paced, while facial and body language takes the audience far beyond the script. This sensitive portrayal of two imperfect but loving people will touch your spirit, awakening your own memories and enriching your understanding of the human condition. Lightstone and Smith beautifully capture the subtle nuances, inspiring insights that will stay with you long after the actors have left the stage. Love Letters runs July 30 to August 9. For tickets or information, please visit GravenhurstOperaHouse or call the Box Office at 705-687-5550.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:45:00 +0000
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