May 5, 2014 at 3:02 p.m.
Nicolet Players present the endearing 'Love Letters'
Nicolet Players present the endearing 'Love Letters'
The touching story of two unlikely soul mates, successful attorney Andy Makepeace Ladd III and free-spirited artist Melissa Gardner, unfolds through a series of letters sent over a span of nearly 50 years. Beginning with the endearing innocence of childhood notes on through the different stages of adulthood, it's a bittersweet journey of romance and comedy, triumphs and disappointments, as they ultimately discover the greatest gift in life is love.
"What's unique about this production is that we cast the play with three different couples," explained Jim Nuttall, Nicolet College Theatre director. "Of course it will always be the same play, but each night each couple will bring their own interpretation to the characters, making each performance unique in its own way."
For cast member Emily Bodensteiner, who has appeared in many Nicolet Players productions since 1981, this has been one of her most demanding roles to date. "The characters of Andy and Melissa are so complex. To embrace and convey the humor and raw emotions of this complicated relationship and their lives without a traditional stage set and character interaction has been interesting," said Bodensteiner. "Because the story is told through the reading of this incredible collection of letters, every emotion is conveyed through our voice, cadence, and inflection."
Another Nicolet Players veteran and Love Letters cast member, Kay Anderson, also is enjoying the nuances that the format of the play offers. "Melissa is such a free spirit, always searching for who she is, and Andy is her one constant," said Anderson. "I've enjoyed seeing how each cast member interprets the varied emotions of this play. We all bring different life experiences to the humor, the struggles, and the accomplishments shared by Andy and Melissa."
Emily Bodensteiner and Rich Upsel will perform on May 9, Kay Anderson and Jim Nuttall will perform May 10, and Kristen Larsen and Al Higgins will perform May 8.
All performances will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 general public, $7 for students and can be purchased online at nicoletlive.com or by calling (715) 365-4646.
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