Love Letters
Review by Ernest Goes To The Theatre/Ernest Edwards
I went to the classic 1988 play Love Letters at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, written by A.R. Gurney. I had first seen the play Love Letters back in the summer of 1993. It was a big anniversary year for the Straw Hat Players at Moorhead State University, now known as Minnesota State University Moorhead. That production had Joanna Kerns and Robert Hays as the cast.
I learned during the talk back after the play last night. Love Letters was remounted at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres for a limited engagement in November 2022 with actors Nancy Nelson and Don Shelby. It has been extended seven times. Now when this run ends in February, it will be closed out at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. That is an impressive run! This production was directed by the late Michael Brindisi, and restaged by Janet Hayes Trow.
The story follows Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. From 1937 to 1987 the play follows the letters they have been writing to each other since they were nine years old. The actors each sit at their own desk, and read the script. Sounds very simple, but it’s very powerful with this play. Throughout the play, we learn about their adventures in school, college, their marriages, their spouses and children. Their struggles, their ups and downs. This friendship endures careers, ambitions, travel and life. Such great story telling.
The only spoiler alert I will provide is that this is traditionally a 90 minute play with no intermission. Chanhassen Dinner Theaters did add an intermission. Of course I had to have dessert during intermission. Which was probably the plan all along.
Love Letters runs through February 22, 2026. Check out www.chanhassendt.com for tickets.
The poster outside of the playhouse theater.
The stage, before the play begins.
