Over Valentine’s Day weekend, I left the confines of what may feel at times the “college bubble” and set out on a mini adventure, an adventure that led me to my home state of Connecticut as apart of a late Christmas present from my family. You may ask, “what present?” The answer, a pair of tickets to see a theatrical production of A. R. Gurney’s "Love Letters" at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT.
Possibly one of the most romantic weekends of the year, Valentine's Day is a time where new, young romances begin and older, yet enduring relationships are realized through simple or extravagant displays of affection. This theatrical reflects all aspects of romance in every stage of two people’s lives. Unlike other plays, the play revolves around the exchange of letters that form the basis of the dialogue. The production itself only consisted of a table and two chairs, and the two actors read from a script. The focus of the production was not on the action but the words exchanged between two people from their youth to their old age, sharing the hidden aspects and feelings of their lives.
The two lead roles were performed by Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal, two actors that were involved in the Academy Award nominated film, "Love Story," highly regarded by many that has gathered a cult following over the years. The two actors were reunited for the first time since the film’s debut over 45 years ago as a part of an off-Broadway touring production, working across the country from the West Coast to the East Coast. Both actors walked onto the stage with a chemistry that was impossible to deny, found within the witty retorts and playful language woven within the dialogue of the play. Many of those who came out to see the performance on Feb. 12 were those who were fans of their performance in "Love Story."
In essence, the story between these two characters invites the audience to feel and invest their hearts into the story of a fictional couple, separated by different barriers in their love, yet connected by the bond of these letters. The letters tell a story that transcends traditional performances and leaves the audience with the words of these letters to feel what the characters feel.
"Love Letters" is still touring. Look for a city stop to treat your special someone too!
