Love Letters by A.R. Gurney

“Love Letters,” the well-loved play by A.R. Gurney, will be performed at the Mérida English Library under the direction of Frank W. Wicks. One performance only, starring Michael Catlin and Nancy Hoag. 

The play, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, centers on a man and a woman who read from letters and cards that reflect 50 years of hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats. 

First performed by the playwright himself with Holland Taylor at the New York Public Library, the play remains popular since opening in 1988 at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Conn., with Joanna Gleason and John Rubinstein.

Described as “brilliant, funny and deeply moving,” “Love Letters” traces the relationship between freewheeling Melissa Gardner and a somewhat up-tight Andrew Makepeace III through their exchange of letters over 50 years, beginning with a birthday party invitation in second grade. Melissa relentlessly assaults the strictures of her privileged upbringing while Andrew is continually bound by those same structures. Theirs is a complex, deeply affecting relationship.

The play, presented as reader’s theater, stars Nancy Hoag as Melissa, and Michael Catlin as Andrew. Nancy acted recently on the Mérida stage in “Soldier, Come Home” and “Five Tall Women.”  Michael has acted, directed and produced in his native Kingston, Ontario for over 30 years, including productions of “Gypsy” and “Glengarry Glen Ross.”

The play is directed by Frank W. Wicks, playwright for “Soldier, Come Home” and director for “Five Tall Women” at the Merida English Library.

All tickets are 200 pesos and are available at the door.  Call 999 924-8401 for further information.