Friends Blend Talent for Community Good
A fitting Valentine lovers' tribute was delivered with humor and honesty in the intimate closeness of Luther Burbank Center's full Carston Cabaret.
The multi-generational audience of friends, fans and lovers had their attention held in the two-part 90-minute dialogue between fictional friends to lovers Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner.
Chris Smith aka Andy Ladd in the production was greeted by many friends and colleagues from his Press Democrat days. Here, Linda waves her heady hearts to Chris' debut.
"Love Letters" written by A. R. Gurney has been performed for over 50 years by actors including Steve Allen, Christopher Reeves and Julie Hagerty. This local production was a fundraiser for Santa Rosa YWCA, a strong community partner in women's health advocacy. Madeline Keegan O'Connell current Executive Director of our local YWCA created compassionate characterization of Ms Gardner from her 8th birthday through the next 50 eventful years!
During intermission, Mr. Sawyer of E.R. Sawyer Jewelers drew for the Hearts Afire pendant he donated. In a twist of luck his name was drawn. He offered to auction it or draw again and this time a lady's name was drawn much to her delight!
Congratulating Chris are Rich and Betsy Randolph, friends and lovers and total fans of "Love Letters" For the second time in 46 years privileged to hear a Christopher read his letters: in the early 1980's Christopher Reeves and Julie Hagerty read their parts in the Curran Theater San Francisco. Newlyweds Rich and Betsy were fortunate to hear them.
Kudos to Chris and Madeline! Long live Love Letters, written and read!
