Heart to Heart
By Christine Foster, August 18, 2006
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Love Letters, the newest offering from Iguana Productions, is a bittersweet theatrical tango for two, and above all, great entertainment. This is A. R. Gurney's most produced play, and it's easy to see why. The play is a multilayered treat for lovers of language and letter writing, as well as anyone who has ever ridden the rickety roller coaster of romance. In less than two hours, we follow Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner over a period of 50 years. From grade school valentines to boarding school parties, they stagger on into adulthood, careers, marriages, parenthood and finally the disappointments of middle age. Their story unfolds only from what is written-and what is left unsaid-in the letters they exchange.
Love Letters stars David Hunter and Billie Bremer as Andy and Melissa, close friends since childhood whose correspondence links them no matter how much distance separates them or how much time passes. In some ways it's an unlikely relationship, though both are from similarly privileged backgrounds. Andy is caring, conservative and rather endearingly stuffy, whereas Melissa is artistic and outspoken, a restless spirit whose extroverted behavior hides a dangerous vulnerability. Star-crossed by their different approaches to nearly everything, as well as by bad timing and circumstance, they are rarely on the same page romantically. Yet even as they marry others and start their own families, they rely on one another's letters as a source of comfort, support and love. Ironically, in the end it's their letters-the root of their lifelong relationship-that keep them apart.
| Iguana Productions is fast gaining a reputation not only for high-quality shows but for exploring comfortable new spots in which to enjoy them. Last February, Iguana produced Blown Sideways Through Life at Finnegan's for a successful three-week run. | |
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In July, they presented Daniel Packard's Live Group Sex Therapy at 4Play and discovered a lounge with a welcoming feel-a laid-back space that allows the audience to relax and enjoy a cocktail or snack as well as great entertainment.
Love Letters is directed by Kirsten Dehner, who starred in Blown Sideways Through Life. Her career highlights include working with legends John Houseman and Leonard Nimoy.
Billie Bremer (Melissa) began as a professional dancer and choreographer and evolved into a successful commercial film actress. During her 15-year career as a member of SAG and AFTRA, she appeared in numerous TV commercials, over 100 industrial films and several TV series. During the last 19 years she has shared her talents with San Miguel audiences, appearing in
Brecht on Brecht, Painting Churches, Lettuce and Lovage, Rashomon, Three Viewings and The Perfect Ganesh.
David Hunter (Andy) worked extensively as a radio and television reporter, covering the first manned moon launches at Cape Kennedy, several presidential elections and the daily news in Los Angeles. David also pioneered "underground disc jockey" for FM Album rock in Tampa and central Florida. Some of David's acting credits include Paradise Lost in Tampa and Loose Ends in San Miguel de Allende.
These special five preview performances of Love Letters are presented before the play opens officially on Valentine's Day, 2007. Seating for this production will be very limited. Reserve early either at Galería Izamal or by calling 154-0352.