Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware to stage 'Love Letters' March 19

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will stage a production of A. R. Gurney’s "Love Letters" at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 19, at the church at 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), Lewes. This play, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in drama when it was first produced in 1989, tells the story of a lifelong relationship between a man and a woman through their letters to each other.

It has been widely performed on Broadway and across the country in professional and community theaters. The play contains adult themes and language, and is not appropriate for children.

The couple’s letters tell the story of their childhoods, dating, friendship, mutual support and estrangements, while also tracking their life events. The play touches on addiction, politics, painful struggles and enormous successes. The dominant theme, however, is their love, their strong connection and the importance of their often-changing roles in each other’s lives throughout the years.

The UUSD production will be performed by two local actors who are church members, and it will be a fundraiser for the church. In addition, it will showcase the church’s new home, built in 2015, which is becoming a venue for performing arts events. The sanctuary was designed to host such events, with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, including outstanding acoustics.

Deanna Duby of Milton and Rick Welk of Lewes will portray Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, who met as very young children. They grew up in upper-class homes, and attended private schools and colleges. Their lives often go in opposite directions, but the connection between them remains strong through the letters that relate their life stories to the audience.

Duby has acted locally with the Milton Theatre and Second Street Players in Milford, and acted professionally with the Julian Theatre in San Francisco. Welk has acted in educational and community theater, including a number of roles with the historic Everett Theatre in Middletown. "Love Letters" is directed by Jean Charles of Lewes, also a UUSD member, who has extensive experience as a high school drama director in Pennsylvania, and has directed or co-directed plays locally at both the Milton Theatre and Possum Point Players.

Tickets for "Love Letters" are $15 and will be available at the door on the night of the performance, and can also be reserved in advance or purchased at the church. For more information, email jlcharles24@gmail.com.