'Dear Jack, Dear Louise': Southampton Show So Loved, It's Back For 2 Unprecedented Encore Performances

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Sometimes, there's a singular moment in time so moving — a show so unforgettable — that audiences implore that the piece be brought back to the stage, just one more time.

Such is the case with "Dear Jack, Dear Louise: A WWII Love Story," back at the Southampton Arts Center for two encore performances.

Directed by the iconic Michael Disher and starring Barbara Jo Howard and Jack Seabury, the two additional encore performances take place on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Southampton Arts Center.

According to a description of "Dear Jack, Dear Louise": "When two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday, if the war will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship — before it even starts. Two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the poignant story of his own parents’ unlikely courtship during World War II."

The show is described as "storytelling at its best" by the Chicago Theatre Review.

Disher, a treasured force on the East End’s theatrical canvas, explains why he chose the offering. "I have always been a fan of Ken Ludwig’s comedies, but this one seemed a bit more personal. It’s also a World War II love story, which always appeals to me. Plus, I like providing our Center Stage patrons and the Southampton Arts Center with interesting new works, and maybe some that have been forgotten."

Disher said the idea of presenting the show as another Long Island premiere was one he embraced — and the show was made even more heartfelt by his appeal to residents to send in their own wartime photos and letters — creating an unforgettable montage that pays tribute to timeless love and enduring passion.

Each letter, he said, captured a fierce love story forever in time.

"Remember when people used to write letters?" he asked. "I still believe people love to receive a handwritten note, and in this case, the entire play is the letters between Jack Ludwig and Louise Rabiner."

The show’s first run in Southampton garnered glowing reviews: "One of the finest shows ever to grace the stage of the Southampton Arts Center," Southampton Patch wrote. "Seabury and Howard, on this singular stage, deliver tour de force performances . . . together, they breathe vibrant, intense life into Jack and Louise's story and elevate it off the page and straight into the hearts of any audience fortunate enough to experience this heartfelt valentine of a production."

And, wrote Hamptons.com: "Barbara Jo Howard and Jack Seabury shine in ‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’."

The show is a sweet homage to the power of eternal love, Disher noted. "It is a joyful piece, full of Ludwig’s wit and warmth."

Of the first go-round, Disher said the show was "a wonderful experience for all involved. The response made us realize two encore performances, May 2 and 3 are warranted."

As well as two critically acclaimed performances and performers, the production further held audiences captive with Ken Blessing's video tribute to long lasting love — couples who met and wed during WWII.

"It seemed fitting to honor their history — which is part of our East End history," Disher said. "Clearly, this piece resonated with many."

And, speaking of the lightning in a bottle that is "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," Disher said: "The first rules of acting are to learn your lines and not bump into the scenery. That's elementary. To carve and delve into the guts and marrow of any well-written text requires much thought, insight, discussion, rehearsal and, dare I say, direction. If you're lucky, or insightful, you cast actors who are willing to cast vanity to the curb and work toward moments — and ultimately a production — that reflects that delicious combo of humanity and truth. It ain't easy. But when it happens . . ."

Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For additional information and tickets, click here.