A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters is set to be performed tomorrow, Friday, July 9 (click here to get your tickets if you haven’t already). Mary Dietrich and Doug Burdick are ready to bring this unique piece of theater to you. I posed a few questions to them about theater, Love Letters, and returning to the stage after the pandemic.
Q: What does the return to live theater mean to you?
Mary: “Theater is in my blood, so for over a year I’ve missed the flow. It is exciting to restart that flow again.”
Doug: “I haven’t performed on stage in 5 years. The last two parts I did were the Coach in High School Musical and the Pimp in RENT. I am a little nervous about doing a part on stage again as I prefer directing youth theater. This is a perfect show for me to return to live stage as I don’t have to memorize any lines.”
Q: Why did you want to be in Love Letters?
Mary: “Many years ago I saw Carol Burnette and Brian Dennehy do Love Letters on stage and I thought this would be a good opportunity to get back into the swing of live theater.”
Doug: “Over the years as I directed youth theater I was always telling the kids to be willing to step out of their comfort zone. So I am taking my own advice for once.”
Q: What show did you enjoy being a part of the most?
Doug: “I have enjoyed directing all the youth shows. There is nothing better than watching kids step up and flourishing on stage. Taking 40 youth to Disney World six times over the years to perform on the Main Stage and take work shops by Disney performers has been a great accomplishment.”
Mary: “I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the productions that I have been involved in, so it is hard to pick a favorite. Dearly Departed does come to mind, though, because I was able to be on stage with my husband, Bob.”
Q: Why should someone come and see Love Letters?
Doug: “As I have just turned 65, the show reminds me of times past with good friends and bad friends, good times and bad times and most importantly how time goes by so quick.”
Mary: “This play to me is very nostalgic. I think Love Letters will bring up memories to the audience of that certain someone they may have shared their lives with through hand-written letters. It is sad to say, I think hand-written letters are a thing of the past.”