LOVE  LETTERS  at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre

(Seen  September 24, 2014)


I had forgotten how powerful a two-character play could be with the right confluence of playwright, performers, and director.  A. R. Gurney's simple, finely wrought story, with two people sitting at a table, facing the audience, is a dramatic tour-de-force.  Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy embody the 50-year friendship -- and sometimes, lovers --- that have shaped their lives.

As privileged WASP children (she more privileged than he), they first meet in their private elementary school.  Their lives unfold for us through letters written to each other --- mostly at his instigation, since she prefers the telephone!

His letters are informative; hers, brief responses.  But we watch their relationship grow, and splinter, and revive, as they each deal with their individual family lives.

Gurney's perceptive writing, the virtuoso acting of two creative performers, and the unseen presence of director Gregory Mosher, all come together to give us a theatrical experience that is meaningful and enjoyable.

Farrow and Dennehy are the first  pair of stars who will be playing these roles in limited periods.  The succeeding duos will have an exceptionally high standard to measure up to.  Mia Farrow's return to Broadway is especially welcome!