Albert Lea Community Theatre-goers are probably familiar with the wonderful Pulitzer Prize for Drama-nominated play “Love Letters.” But, just in case you are worried that you won’t get your money’s worth with ”Love Letters,” I’d like to tell you about this beautiful play. Using epistolary form, the actors sit side by side at desks and read notes, letters and cards — from more than 50 years of friendship — reminiscing about their dreams, hopes, romances and disappointments they shared through those years.

If you had a crush on the girl who sat behind you in third grade; or had a sweetheart in high school that you remember still; or wished the timing had been different for you and a certain someone — then you will relate to this play. It is tender, maddening, loving and real.

Marion Ross was in Albert Lea a few summers ago in “Love Letters” to a packed, single performance with ACT. She only had time for that one performance — and it is a perfect answer to the loss of our performance of “The Gin Game.” Everyone on the ACT Board of Directors regrets the fact that we just cannot go ahead as planned. But, keeping our word to the good people of Albert Lea, who expect a great night out, Glen Parsons and his wife, Patti, are starring in the play. Both Glen and Patti have been longtime actors on our stage — and Glen has directed many times, too.  They are well-respected thespians and loved by many here.

“Love Letters” was first performed in 1988 in New Haven, Conn. It moved to New York City in 1989 with Kathleen Turner and John Rubinstein for 64 performances. Many actresses and actors have been cast including Julie Harris, Richard Kiley, William Hurt, George Segal, Lynn Redgrave, Stockard Channing, Robert Vaughn, Christopher Reeve, Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross, James Earl Jones and Elizabeth Taylor. It’s been translated into many languages and toured Europe, all over the U.S. and even Asia. Wow.

Come, relax, laugh, enjoy a night at the theater — take your favorite date to see “Love Letters.”

Mary Ellen Johnson

Albert Lea