Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Love Letters

Q:  Where can you see a revival of playwright, A.R. Gurney's, Pulitzer nominated romantic comedy, Love Letters?

A:  On Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theater in New York, New York...and...at the Abbey Players Theater in Abbeville, Louisiana.

Q:  Which theater luminaries are starring in these stellar revivals?

A:  New York Cast:  Brian Dennehy & Carol Burnett.  Abbeville Cast:  Bill Stagg & ME!!!

I am so excited to be performing in this amazing production!  Especially considering the last play I had a role in was in the first grade (I was "royal child #4" in the Lubbock, Texas Community Theater production of The King & I).

Love Letters is the humorous and touching story of the relationship between two characters, fiery Melissa Gardner and straight-laced Andrew Makepiece Ladd, III, told only through notes, cards and letters written to each other over the course of 50 years.  Beginning in the second grade, these best friends, sometimes lovers, see each other through lonely childhoods, confusing teen years, college sweethearts, marriages, children and everything in-between.

I have always loved live theater, but I am sure, like many of you, I never thought I would have the courage to audition.  And, in truth I would never have considered it this time if my friend (and director), Dianna Ducote, hadn't convinced me I could do it.  So, in the spirit of never-stop-challenging-yourself, even at 59, and, not to mention the chance to check something off of MY bucket list, I went for it!  Sooooo glad I did, because this has been a wonderful experience.  I am meeting lots of new people and supporting local, amateur theater...something I really feel passionate about!  The Abbey Players have brought great theater performances to Acadiana for 40 years, garnering both local and national acclaim.

So now it's your turn.  If you're in the Lafayette-Abbeville area come see our production and support this wonderful community theater.  Go to www.abbeyplayers.com or call (337) 898-2442 for tickets and information.  There will be at total of seven evening performances and two Sunday matinees between October 10th and November 8th.    If you are not in my area, look into attending a performance of community theater in your town.  And...if you're in New York, by all means see it on Broadway!

Stay awesome,
Sally Hamana