Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and Tillamook Vision Center are pleased to present the production of the Pulitzer Prize nominated LOVE LETTERS, written by A.R. Gurney as a Special Engagement to Tillamook and County theater lovers with two live performances only on Saturday, July 27 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 pm at TAPA’s Barn Community Playhouse in Tillamook, OR.
"You cannot stage a play more simply than this, and yet it’s about everything in life. First love, loss of opportunities, loss of life, loss of love...It’s a beautiful play, and all you do is speak it.”
This acclaimed theatre piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down. Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, this funny and touching work is a unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”
This production features local actors Mike Arseneault as Andrew and Shay Knorr as Melissa. Directed by Mike Arseneault, who directed 3 different casts for another local community theatre group in July 2018. “He’s pleased to perform and bring this innovative iconic production to TAPA. Love Letters is a perfect way to celebrate love!”. This production has some mature language and themes and is intended for a mature audience. Plenty of laughs but bring a tissue or two.
Cast Biographies: (in alphabetical order)
Mike has performed in over 100 musicals, plays, and revues, in Toronto, Portland (OR), the Oregon Coast, and here in the City of the Arts. An award-winning theatre performer, select favorite theatre roles include: Baker (Into The Woods), John (Miss Saigon), Nathan (Guys and Dolls), Rooster (Annie), Motel (Fiddler), Beadle (Sweeney Todd), Etches (Titanic), Peter (Company), Dickon (Secret Garden), Hysterium (Funny Thing...Forum), and many others. Mike has played the role of Andrew in five different productions, as recently as this past May, and founded his own theatre organization, IOCO Players Theatre, just outside Vancouver, B.C, and the end of 2020. Mike is happy to own a place in Nehalem to reside
and thrilled to be working with Shay and the TAPA team on this special production. Mike also created Auditions. A Musical Revue, his sold-out one-man musical revue STAGES: Songs From Broadway, STAGES: Sondheim & Schwartz, and Lullaby To Broadway in Canada.
Shay lives in Nehalem with her partner Paul and the cutest cocker spaniel in the world. At 10 yrs. old, Shay filled in for a sick friend in a play. There was one line, the audience laughed, and she has been on stage ever since. She has performed with many theatre companies and improv groups, commercials, TV, radio, and videos both in Portland and Los Angeles. For 30 years, Shay was a commercial producer, director, playwright and is now a personal story performer and coach through her story telling group Solo Speak. Shows at the beach include: Moon over Buffalo (Riverbend Players) also directed by Mike Arseneault, Clue the Musical (The Coaster Theatre), Suite Surrender (The Coaster Theatre) and Frankenstein (Riverbend Players).
Performances will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 pm at TAPA’s Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy Avenue, Tillamook, OR, 97141. Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Doors open one half-hour prior to curtain. Concessions are available pre-show and during intermission with beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks & desserts. There is one 15-minute intermission. The performance with be approximately two hours in length. This facility is wheelchair accessible.
Tickets are on sale now at tillamooktheater.com or call the TAPA box office at (503) 812-0275 to purchase tickets, ask questions or you need assistance. Past productions have sold out in advance so don't delay and miss out. This volunteer production is directed by Mike Arseneault and Co-Produced by Robert Buckingham and Mike Arseneault. Thanks to our Show Production Sponsor Tillamook Vision Center for helping to make quality live theatre happen here in Tillamook and beyond.
Most Popular
Comments / 0