A.R. Gurney's 'Love Letters' Postponed Until Early March

NOTE: This production has been postponed due to a medical emergency as of February 8. The new dates for the show will be March 1 to 3.

Boots on the Ground Theater is back to present its next production, A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters,” this weekend at Southampton Cultural Center. The play offers an emotional portrait of the powerful connection of love between two friends, rebellious Melissa Gardner (played by Bonnie Grice, founder and artistic director of the theater company) and straight-arrow Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (played by Matthew O’Connor). The two friends have exchanged notes, cards and letters with one another for over 50 years, from second grade through adulthood, sharing ups, downs, dreams and disappointments. Recently, Grice offered a bit of insight into the play and her role in it.

Q: “Love Letters” is an ideal play for Valentine’s Day. Is that why you chose it?

Valentine’s Day definitely played a big part in the choice. Who doesn’t need some love this time of year? But we were also thinking of the history of this piece on the East End. “Love Letters” has been presented annually around the world since it first opened in 1988 and that includes many local productions in past years. We felt it was time to revisit it.

Q: What’s your history with the play? Have you seen it performed or acted in it yourself?

I’ve seen a number of performances out here, from NFCT [North Fork Community Theatre] to Guild Hall and here at SCC years ago. I’ve never performed it and I’m excited to now, especially with my friend — the phenomenally talented Matthew O’Connor. This will be our third time sharing the stage together.

Q: What’s the rehearsal period been like for you and Matthew?

We’ve done several readings together over the past month. We even had a coaching session recently with Andrew Botsford from HTC [Hampton Theatre Company] who came to hear us read and give us some guidance. Andrew is a good friend and a celebrated actor/director who’s done this show more than 20 times. He knows his stuff, and we’re grateful for his time and talent.

Q: The script is fairly simple, straightforward in structure and easy to produce — typically, the two actors sit side by side and read their letters to one another. But there is a complexity to the material as well. Can you share your own insight into the play and what you find moving or impactful in it?

I love their differences, which come out immediately after the first letters are exchanged in elementary school. She’s always pushing the envelope — no pun intended, ha — and prodding him to constantly question himself. Always at him, challenging, trying to get under his skin ... which she does.

Melissa might be wealthier, but his family life is richer. He comes from a more stable home and lifestyle. He seems to know his place and his destiny early on. He’s comfortable in his own skin. She squirms to be free of hers in so many ways.

By the way, they’re both quintessential WASPs, a topic Gurney spent most of his writing life exploring. He had a definite love-hate relationship with the wealthy white upper class of the day, and it shows — especially in this play. I think Andrew represents Gurney’s love, if you will, Melissa his hate ... although both are totally lovable for audiences. Hence, the play’s popularity for nearly 40 years.

Q: Let’s talk about your character of Melissa and the journey she takes through the course of the play. What do you like about playing her?

She has some of the best lines in the play. She’s funny, sarcastic and very much a free spirit. She’s an artist, highly creative, and at the same time, very troubled. The audience learns about both of their lives from early on. Melissa faced challenges a young girl should never have to face. Unfortunately, many women even today can identify with her struggles.

Q: Does she go through anything in the script that mirrors experiences in your own life or that of someone close to you that you are able to draw on?

Yes indeed. Folks will have to come and see ... Gurney, like all playwrights, holds mirrors up for us to see ourselves ... . It’s part of their job.

Q: Where do the challenges lie in this play?

Trying to keep the perspective of reading letters and not turning this into a regular conversation. Gurney has very strict rules in the back of the script. No interacting, no “mugging” no embellishing. Leave the text alone. Treat it as two people writing letters. That will suffice ... because the writing speaks for itself. I think every playwright should include that caveat at the back of every script.

Q: What about Matthew’s character? What do you like about Andrew, what exasperates you and what endears you to him?

His steadiness, his humanity, his vulnerability — endearing. And his steadiness, his humanity, his vulnerability .... his glass half full attitude. Ugh! — says Melissa, exasperating.

Q: The play gives actors a venue to shine and over the years, many celebrities have been cast in it opposite their romantic leads in other films or TV shows. What’s your history of performing in other shows with Matthew? How does that affect the way the two of you relate to one another in this piece?

It makes all the difference! Matt and I go back over 10 years now having performed together in two shows before this — “Sex What She’s Really Thinking,” an original play, and Neil Simon’s “Come Blow Your Horn” last January, both at SCC. I love feeling so comfortable with him on stage. I adore Matt and I think we both feel a mutual love and respect. Hopefully, that will shine through for the audience. And bring out the best in our characters.

Q: What have you learned about life and love from this play?

To quote Ringo Starr: “It don’t come easy ...” But whenever you find a connection with someone that stays with you for a lifetime — it’s worth it.

Q: What else can we expect from you and your fellow thespians at SCC in 2024?

Terrence McNally’s “It’s Only a Play” in October. We’ll have auditions later this year. Bob Kaplan directs. And we’ll explore Terrence’s close ties to the East End with his widower and good friend Tom Kirdahy. And “A Christmas Carol Live Radio Play” in December directed by Josephine Teresi-Wallace, with special guests The Dickens Carolers — for a Victorian holiday treat.

Boots on the Ground Theater’s production of A. R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” runs Friday, February 9 through Sunday, February 11. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sunday at Southampton Cultural Center’s Levitas Center for the Arts, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton. Tickets are $25 ($15 students) at scc-arts.org or at the door beginning 45 minutes before the performance.