SALT LAKE CITY – Love Letters has become a tradition at the SLCC Grand Theatre (and in many other places) around Valentine’s Day. Â It’s a story of two friends/lovers and the letters they have exchanged throughout their lives. Â The script is fascinating, and I would have loved to read it, at home in my pajamas. Â Sadly, though, I sat through two hours of someone else reading it to me. Â I left the “play” perplexed as to why this was ever put on a stage. Â Perhaps because not everyone reads; it’s possible that this play was produced for those non-readers, who would only hear the story if they could pay $25 and bring a date. Â Maybe?
I knew what I was getting in to. Â I knew that Holly Mullen and Ted Wilson would be reading letters back and forth for the entire play. Â So why was I so bored? Â Really, I was falling asleep. Â When intermission arrived, there was no announcement that we’d be breaking for ten minutes, and the audience looked around at each other, confused. Â “Is it over?” we asked. Â We wandered out into the foyer, remembering that the story line was meant to last ’til the two characters were older, and realized there was more show to go. Â On the way back into the theater, I heard someone say to their friends, “Will you be able to sit through the next 25 years?”
The production was, at best, mildly entertaining. Â The two actors sat at separate desks, far apart on a large stage. Â They never looked at each other, paused in awkward places, emphasized random words… Â I don’t know whether to blame the director or the actors. Â So about half-way through, I decided I want to write specifically about the text since A.J. Gurney has given us a genuine glimpse into relationships. Â From second grade to middle-age, the characters of Andy and Melissa experience the range of every possible emotion. Â While young, Melissa was obviously fond of Andy, but still felt contempt for him, avoiding him, playing the games we’ve all played when we “like” someone. Â Gurney cleverly paced the letters; I especially liked when one character would write over and over as their partner was apparently ignoring them. Â I was impressed that I could get to know a character simply from the words he/she had written in a letter.
Love Letters shows the power of the written word. Â Andy says that a phone call is over and dead the minute you hang up the receiver, and email is non-commital in a way, because you keep a copy of it for yourself. Â But letters are true, personal, genuine; you write with your own hand, put a piece of your heart into an envelope and send it off. Â When you receive a letter, you can read it and keep it as long as you want; and when you destroy it, it is forever gone. Â Gurney taught me the impact of a letter. Â Even Melissa, as often as she said she hated writing, always wrote back to Andy.
SLCC’s production was a one night only event, but you’re bound to see Love Letters announced again. Â I can’t predict what nuances a cast or director might add to this play, and I can’t recommend whether you should give it a shot. Â But I would encourage you, if you’re a reader, to experience this insightful story. Â Despite my lethargic response to the overall experience at SLCC, I found myself emotional as the play came to a close. Â The characters experience a lot together, and their story ends tragically. Â I cried as Andy slowly read his final letter. Â I attribute this reaction to the writer, who’s talented words can ultimately overcome the dullness of the “show.”