Sarandon and Gleason Star in Benefit Performance of Love Letters West Virginia Public Theatre (WVPT) is hosting a one-night only benefit performance of Love Letters, starring Tony-award winning actress, Joanna Gleason as Melissa Gardner, and Oscar-nominated actor, Chris Sarandon as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Chris Sarandon is also a WVU alum.
Gleason has directed and starred in many Broadway, off-Broadway, and films. She won the Best Actress Tony for her performance in Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods”, along with Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Sarandon has also starred in many Broadway, off-Broadway, films, and TV shows. He made his film debut in “Dog Day Afternoon,” for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe.
But, it is the story of Love Letters that bring these two together to perform in Morgantown, West Virginia. Love Letters is the story of two young people with similar backgrounds, but who end up taking very different paths in life. Despite leading lives that should not intersect, the two stay in touch throughout their 50-year friendship, marriages, and families with other people. The story unfolds through the reading of their love letters on stage.
“These are the letters that they wrote over the years and through these letters we learn what their life was like not only together, but what it was like a part,” Gleason said. “It is the art of a friendship and love story.”
With the story being told through reading letters, Gleason and Sarandon are excited to give the audience a fresh take of a love story on stage.
“It is more intimate. If people listen and don’t just watch, then they will hear a story that might resonate with their own lives,” Gleason said. “It is a lovely story, it really is.” “I think everyone in one way or another has had a relationship like this,” Sarandon said. “The story of an unrequited love.”
The one-night benefit performance of Love Letters will be November 14 at 7:30 at the Metropolitan Theatre. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (304) 293-SHOW.
