On Friday, Oct. 29, George Street Playhouse made its return to live theater with Opening Night of new play, Dear Jack, Dear Louise. There was a feeling of excitement in the air despite the torrential rain and wind storm outside. Artistic Director David Saint gave a welcome back speech and then he introduced the play which is written by Ken Ludwig. Mr. Saint serves as Director for this production which is a romantic comedy that takes place during World War II. The audience was treated to Big Band music from that era playing throughout the venue before the show started. For this reviewer who grew up to the sounds of Glenn Miller in her household, the music brought back nostalgic memories of a time long ago and people who are no longer here.
About 15 minutes into the play, the power went out due to the storm. A generator system kicked in giving light and sound. However, waiting for the computers used in the production to reboot, it seemed ironic that a show using today’s technology was telling a tale about a time when letter writing was the primary means people used to stay in touch with each other rather than the texting or email of today. That letter writing provides the basis of Dear Jack, Dear Louise as it is the story of two people who never meet during the War, but court each other via letters they exchange.
Dear Jack, Dear Louise is a heartfelt story based on playwright Ludwig’s real life parents’ experiences. The story line is well developed with interesting dialog, twists, and turns. The staging adds a lot to the overall sense of distance between the two people as well as special effects to give additional background.
Dear Jack, Dear Louise Combines a Love Story and World War II
The story begins in the early days of World War II when Jack Ludwig is provided with information via family friends about Louise Rabiner. Jack is a doctor in the armed services. At first he is stationed stateside on the West Coast, but eventually is shipped out overseas as the fighting intensifies. Louise lives in New York City and is a show performer hoping to land a part in a Broadway musical. Because of the distance and wartime circumstances, the pair begin exchanging letters. The content of the letters are what each character uses as their individual dialog. The recitations show how one side was heard by the other. It also shows that delays between letters could be long making time apart even more difficult.
As the correspondence continues, Louise is able to meet Jack’s family but still not him. Plans eventually appear to be in place for the two to meet in New York City. They plan dinner and a show out together and both are very excited at the prospect of this happening. However, Jack receives word he must ship out and so the meeting does not happen. The disappointment is keenly felt by both people but they continue with what they must do. As Jack gets deeper into treating people from battles, Louise lands a part in a touring company of a musical. They do what they can to stay in touch.
Some of the most difficult times of their separation occur as letters from Jack no longer arrive. The play does a very fine job of representing reflections of the war through well developed staging and special visual effects. Louise keeps hoping to hear from Jack again and finally it occurs.
The end of the war brings the long awaited meeting for this couple. You need to go to this show to see for yourself how this happens. Although it is a bit predictable, it still is a beautiful moment because throughout the play, the audience becomes invested in this couple. You will route for them and then cheer when they finally meet. A major part of this connection is because of the fine acting by Bill Army as Jack and Amelia Pedlow as Louise. Individually, each of these actors portray their characters so well. But they also have good chemistry together as they tell their stories.
A Show Everyone Can Enjoy
People who grew up when letter writing was still a primary form of communication are going to love this play as it will bring back memories when those handwritten letters were highly valued. Younger people can also enjoy this show because it is a story of love that is timeless.
The show runs 1 hour 45 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
Tickets are now on sale starting at $25 at www.georgestplayhouse.org. The show runs until Nov. 21, 2021.
CoVid Safety Information from George Street Playhouse and NBPAC
George Street Playhouse and The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center are guided by CDC guidelines and the state of New Jersey for our policies in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the health of our audiences, staff, volunteers, artists and their production teams.
Patrons attending any performance at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) must show proof of vaccination via a vaccine card, or proof through NJ’s Docket App (which can be downloaded from the app store on your phone). If not vaccinated, you must present a Negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance date.
All patrons are required to wear masks at all times while inside the venue. This includes children who have not been vaccinated. This policy will be re-evaluated in November 2021.