George Street Playhouse’s (GSP), in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is back LIVE and what an opening show for the return. Ken Ludwig’s masterful “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is a paean to his parents, as well as an acknowledgement of pain from a different kind of lockdown. Set in 1942, two sets of parents play matchmaker to their winsome progeny. Captain Jacob Ludwig, Jack to his friends, is an army doctor stationed in the Pacific Northwest. Louise Rabiner is a young chorister who is determined to take on the Great White Way. Spoiler alert–this story is based on the epistolary courtship of Ken Ludwig’s parents, so you know there’s a happy ending. But how they get there, and what they endure is why you should bring a pocket pack of hankies.
Lo, in the time before instant gratification, people put a pen to paper and poured out small talk, deep hopes, and fervent dreams. David Saint’s deft direction is augmented by the suggestion of portions of rooms in James Youmans’ set design, as well as the projections that have us with one foot in the 20th century and one in the 21st. Limned by another GSP veteran, the lighting by Joe Saint lighting is subtle perfection in both strength and hue. Lisa Zinni’s costumes and Charles G. Lapointe’s wigs bring our grandparents’ still photos to vivid life and Scott Killian’s original music, period music, and sound design are the icing on this erstwhile wedding cake.
I was raised by my grandparents, who experienced World War 2. My grandfather was in the Navy, and never spoke to my sister and me of what he went through. My mother still has the letters my grandfather wrote to my grandmother from that time, tied in a red ribbon. While we all work hard to de-clutter whatever doesn’t spark joy, the vibration and love contained in a family letter–any handwritten object – bridges time and place and provides a hyper-personal insight into the times and tides of our-story.
Gifted actors elevate a brilliant play even further. Bill Army’s Jack is classic ’40s manhood with long looks at the man behind the hero-mask that men were expected to wear in that era. As Jack and Louise draw closer, and share more insights, you can see the father he is going to become. Amelia Pedlow’s Louise, a role she created in the world premiere at Arena Stage, is gamine, witty, sexy, and sophisticated. This is one sharp cookie, and she knows it! Army and Pedlow are not acting–they inhabit these people. And even though we all know the history of that time, it is still shocking when Jack’s orders sending him overseas finally arrive. I’m tearing up again, just thinking about the power in this performance.
"Dear Jack, Dear Louise" is running only through November 21, and you DO have internet access, so hop on NOW for this early Holiday gift! Welcome back to the physical theatre at the glorious Arthur Laurents Theatre where every seat is the best in the house at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center! Visit www.GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org for your tickets today.