[NEohioPAL] LOVE LETTERS opens at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County

[Chad Roberts]

NEW PHILADELPHIA — Life really will be a cabaret for those attending Little
Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s upcoming production of the two-character
show, “Love Letters.”

Instead of sitting in the audience, theatergoers will join the actors on
stage, seated at tables complete with specially made tablecloths and lights
that actually will light.

They’ll also be served pastries provided by Litty’s Cookies and Pastries of
New Philadelphia, along with their choice of soft drinks, iced tea or water.

Director Lee Elliott of Dover said she feels the fact that “Love Letters”
has just two characters lends itself to the cabaret-style venue.

“It works very nicely,” said Elliott, who credited cast member Chad Roberts
with coming up with the idea to present the show in this type of format.

Because the audience will be seated on stage, a ramp has been installed
that will allow for easy access to the stage without the use of stairs.The
professionally constructed ramp was rented from Canton Chair Rental.

Once on the stage, patron will be seated at round and square tables.
Tablecloths for the tables were made by Jane Dietrick, with decoration by
Pam Douglas and Michele Davis.

“Once they got started, the ideas just grew and grew,” said Elliott.

When Elliott submitted “Love Letters” for consideration by the theater’s
play-reading committee, she said she had no idea it would be placed in an
August time slot.

“It just happened,” said Elliott. “It’s not really the last show of the
2011-12 season, nor is it the first show of the 2012-13 season.”

On paper, it appeared as if “Love Letters” would have to be presented with
a greatly reduced rehearsal time. However, the opposite has been the case,
thanks to Elliott’s decision to cast five different couples.

“We’ve spent a lot of time rehearsing, scheduling and rescheduling,” said
Elliott. “But, it’s all coming together and the actors are wonderful.”

“Love Letters” will open Friday with Don Irven and Roxie Long in the roles
of friends Andy and Melissa, who have been corresponding with each other
since grade school. Through their letters, they define themselves and their
ever-changing lives.

Other actors and performance dates are Chad and Christa Roberts, Saturday;
Bart Herman and Missy Zickel, August 5 and 12; Scott Daniels and Melanie
Slabaugh, August 10; and Jerry Stoughton and Patti Feller, August 11.

“I think the audience will get caught up very early,” said Elliott. “There
is no set. The actors will be seated at desks on a platform. It is theater
of the imagination.”

Elliott said she is very interested in readers theater and would consider
staging another such production in the future.

“It is a wonderful venue for acting,” said Elliott. “I hope ‘Love Letters’
will generate some interest in this type of theater.”

Seats for "Love Letters" can be reserved by calling The Little Theatre box
office at 330.343.4012 beginning Wednesday, August 1.  All tickets are $10
and will be sold at the door.
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