The many seniors in Florida audiences know all about actual letters, but theatergoers of all ages should also appreciate those that reveal life in America during WWII. Author Ken Ludwig’s family’s experience inspired his comedy of letters. Dear Jack, Dear Louise presents a soldier and a dancer-actress in a practice of the time: correspondence to boost a military man’s morale via consent by a woman to mutually writing.
Jonathan Sobel’s small-town Pennsylvanian Jack (the nickname he prefers to Jacob) at first wanted to be an architect but became, encouraged by parents, a medical doctor. With his sense of duty (fostered by appreciation of Winston Churchill), he joined the Army. Louise Rabner is an amateur-becoming-professional dancer-actress, eager to be on Broadway. Maggie Lou Rader shows her loving New York or any touring city where she can work with a Broadway group.
On the surface, Jack and Louise seem alike only in both being Jewish. In the letters they exchange (that are not just read at FST but with “acting out” their feelings), they get to go beyond appearances into their real thoughts, emotions, and how they handle experiences.
Director Kristin Clippard keeps the correspondence lively with inventive blocking of the characters’ physical movements in their separate living spaces and in those outside (mostly downstage). All is helped by the tiered scenery (backed by hangings of letters) and that of the writers’ personal rooms, the authentic costumes, and vivid changes of lighting and sound. A bombardment of Jack’s overseas barracks and outside is especially effective.
Audiences get a realistic view of Jack’s and Louise’s lives and also that of their families, especially in 1942, but the action extends to April of 1945. It seems as if the audience actually meets everyone, including a gal after Jack romantically, and a friend of his who meets Louise with news of Jack and hopes to get close to her.
Author Ludwig has done a fine job of presenting a comedy with very serious scenes. He has even added suspense concerning conditions of Jack and Louise really meeting. Everything is to love in this play and its production at FST.
