Alexandria's 'Love Letters' are a match

The U.S. Post Office "Love" stamp, 1973

Letters?  Who writes letters?  Millennials don't even know how to address envelopes, let alone write letters.

But, watching and listening to Love Letters now on stage at Little Theatre of Alexandria makes you long for and appreciate the letters which used to come in the mail, the letters friends and relatives used to write, that now, re-reading them years later revives voices and experiences which take us back to other .......(fill in the blank) times.

These Letters are a wonderful short escape from our anxiety-ridden world, a delightful detour along a different path from what a playgoer expects.

For "Small Theatre for Troubled Times" as LTA bills this first show in a series (with a PWYC admission price), Nicky and Steve McDonnell (who are married in real life) are longtime "friends," Melissa and Andy, who grow up together, beginning with pre-school and lasting 'til death did them part.

At separate tables the couple sit at simple wooden desks on opposite sides of the stage against a dark backdrop with two highly placed, large silhouetted windows. They face the audience and read their letters to each other. 

Back and forth, like tennis balls on a court, they go, but their dialogue is much more interesting than a tennis match and sometimes letters fly faster than Serena's serve (sorry, could not resist). 

I can't recall another stage performance where a playwright (A.R. Gurney) so effectively used silence.

When a letter generates no reply, the sender waits a moment in silence before writing again and sometimes, a third time. 

Over the years, their love (or is it?) deepens. 

The letters follow their lives from primary and secondary school  through college, adulthood, marriages, jobs, children, dreams, disappointments, regrets. The "friends" relate their different journeys, him to law school, Japan, relationships, and her to parents, art, relationships until THE END.

Initially, Ms. McDonnell was a little too loud, too rambunctious but perhaps she was setting the tone for Melissa's personality, because she calmed down soon enough, or maybe it was I who got used to her antics which did not dominate the show after the first few moments. Director Joanna Henry coaxes expressive hand and body movements from Ms. McDonnell who gets up from her desk occasionally, much like a political candidate to stake her ground. 

Except when reading or looking over his shoulder for his "wife," Mr. McDonnell, a star from Saturday Night Live and more, looks straight at the audience.  His  dark conservative suit with tie and glasses befits a Yalie who thrives as a New York lawyer who decides to run for a seat in the U.S. Senate and wins!

These Love Letters are a certain hit,  easy to understand the 1990 nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  I expected to see a dull, wittyless platform but this convincing duo engaged me from the get-go.  

Certainly, another covid-19 victim is the theatre and LTA which has reduced seating to approximately 25 percent to ensure safety practices which it takes special care to follow.  

Nick Friedlander, producer; Brittany Huffman, stage manager; Jeffrey Auerbach and Kimberly Crago, lighting; Alan Wray, sound; Bobbie Herbst, properties; Russell Wyland, set.

What:  Love Letters

When:  Sept. 23 and 25, 8 p.m.; Sept. 27,  3 p.m.

Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Content: Adult

Duration:  90 minutes; no intermission

Tickets: Free!  Donations, encouraged!  
  
Public transportation: Check the Metro website.

Parking: On the streets and in many garages nearby with free theatre parking at the Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets (when the bank is closed).

For more information: Box Office: 703-683-0496; Business: 703-683-5778. Ask@thelittletheatre.com

patricialesli@gmail.com