Two stories unfold from creased notes in 'Love Letters'

CORVALLIS - An RSVP and thank you note for a second-grade birthday party begins an unlikely correspondence between the spontaneous Melissa Gardner, played by Jodi Altendorf, and steady over-achiever Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, played by Rod Davidson, in "Love Letters."

Using very simple staging - Altendorf and Davidson sit at tables and read the letters to each other - the play delivers a powerful story of two lives intertwined.

Written by A.R. Gurney, "Love Letters" was first performed in 1998. Because it requires little preparation and the lines do not need to be memorized, the play is often performed by busy noted actors. Famous pairs that have taken on the pen pals' story include Sigourney Weaver and Jeff Daniels and Elizabeth Taylor and James Earl Jones.

The simplicity of the play also appealed to Corvallis Community Theatre director Jack Wirz.

"Because it's summertime, it was a real attraction," he said. "You have to be sure you don't over rehearse it." That's not to say that the play doesn't require some serious acting chops. Sure, there is no need for complex cues and blocking, but with such a simple set-up the focus rests squarely on the actor's ability to bring the letters to life with vocal expressions, gestures, timing and facial expressions.

In the end, the letters chronicle 50 years of the characters' lives. The often bittersweet and at times humorous exchanges touch on the turning points of their childhoods, schooling, jobs, marriages, divorces and middle age.

She pens petulantly, he fills pages enthusiastically. The characters could not be more diametric at times. Their differences pull each of them apart and push them together. She is a great grounding force for the skyrocketing success of his life. He, ever the loyal friend, is often her lifeline in a turbulent personal life.

What is left unsaid between the lines is often just as important. It's a story of missed opportunities. Pride, honesty and deceit all take their toll on the relationship.

"The challenge is keeping the interest of the audience," Davidson said. "Our responsibility as actors is to bring to life every page we turn."

Davidson, recently moved to Corvallis from Los Angeles where he accumulated numerous stage and television credits. Soap opera fans might recognize him from a small part on "The Bold and the Beautiful." He is relishing this chance to hit the boards for his first play in his adopted town.

"This is probably one of the most intimate theater situations I have ever been a part of," Davidson said.

His co-star, Altendorf, is a longtime Corvallis resident and a graphic designer by trade. She has been active in community theater for 15 years, playing the role of Mame in "Auntie Mame," Olivia in "The Homecoming," Ouiser in "Steel Magnolias" and Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Higgins in "My Fair Lady"

"I saw this play here at the Majestic 20 years ago," Altendorf said. "I thought, 'Someday, I want to do this play.' I know when I first saw it, I was a lot more like Melissa," she said, referring to the dramatic ups and downs of her character. "I've wanted to do this for a long time - I knew that it would be another 20 years until this happens in Corvallis again."

Wirz was surprised and pleased when Altendorf showed up for auditions.

"It's extremely easy to direct when you have professionals like this," Wirz said.

CHECK IT OUT

WHO: Corvallis Community Theatre

WHAT: "Love Letters" by A.R. Gurney directed by Jack Wirz.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 24 and 25, 30 and 31 and Aug. 1. Also 2:30 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2.

WHERE: Majestic Theatre, 115 S.W. Second St., Corvallis.

COST: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students.

INFO: www.corvalliscommunitytheatre.org or 738-7469.

CAST

Melissa Gardner … Jodi Altendorf

Andrew Makepeace Ladd III … Rod Davidson