“We are thrilled to be bringing this
much-loved play and such renowned actors to Central Oregon for this
production,” said co-producer Jeri Fouts. ‘Love Letters’ has
been a success wherever it has been staged, and the opportunity to
feature such fine actors as Gregory Harrison and Linda Purl in the
lead roles will make it even more special. We are especially
thankful that Gregory and Linda have offered to donate their time on
behalf of the Sisters Schools Foundation.”
The play chronicles the relationship
between Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, who meet as
second graders. “Love Letters” is funny, sad, witty, poignant
and provocative, taking the characters through their mid-fifites and
their unique and often intertwined life journeys. It has been
performed on Broadway and in many theater companies across the
country and has been done as a fund-raiser for a variety of
charities. The producers note that it does contain some adult
language and situations, and is not recommended for children.
Gregory Harrison is a veteran of many
stage and television roles, who is perhaps best known for his role as
Dr. Gonzo Gates on the series “Trapper John, MD and his lead role
in the mini-series “Centennial” based on the book by James
Michener. On Broadway, he has performed in such plays as “Follies”
“Steel Pier” and “Paper Moon,” and has played the lead role
of Billy Flynn in over 1,000 performances of the hit musical
“Chicago,” both on Broadway and in the national touring company.
His production company produced numerous stage projects and nearly
two dozen television movies from 1981-1992, and in 1990 he was
honored with the L.A. Ovation Award for his Outstanding Contributions
to the Los Angeles theater scene. He is also a recipient of the
Drama Critics Award for his work in “The Hasty Heart” and a
Dramalogue Award for his role in “Picnic.”
Linda Purl is an actress, singer and
dancer whose credits include lead roles in more than 40 television
movies, including “Born Free,” “The Manions of America,” with
Pierce Brosnan, “The Last Day of Pompeii” opposite Sir Laurence
Olivier and the award-winning docudrama “Like Normal People.” Her
extensive theater credits include the Tony-nominated Broadway
production of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” the Mark Taper
Forum productions of “The Real Thing” and “Hedda Gabler” and
the Williamstown Theatre Festival productions “Nora” with Michael
York, “The Three Penny Opera” with Betty Buckley, and “The Road
to Mecca” with Julie Harris. She is well-known for her roles on
such shows as “Happy Days” and “Matlock,” and is currently
seen in the role in the recurring role of Helen Beasely on “The
Office.”
Proceeds from “Love Letters” will
benefit the Sisters Schools Foundation, which provides funding
support for Sisters Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Since 1997,
the Sisters Starry Nights Benefit Concert Series has brought artists
including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Kenny Loggins, Lee Ann Womack, Lyle
Lovett, Kim Carnes, Keb’ Mo’ and Michael McDonald to Sisters,
raising nearly one million dollars in net funding for the Foundation.
While on hiatus this season, Starry Nights will return in 2011 with
another stellar line-up of artists.
“Public schools across our state
continue to be affected by budget cuts and the Sisters Schools
Foundation has been very effective in helping the Sisters Schools
maintain activities and programs that might otherwise lose funding,”
said co-producer Susan Arends, Vice-Chair of the Sisters Schools
Foundation. “The Sisters School District is now faced with cutting
two and a half million dollars from their budget in the next two
years alone, and the need for community support is greater than ever.
“Love Letters” is not only an evening of first-class
entertainment, but is a great way to help the schools.”
The evening will feature a silent
auction with fine art pieces including a beautiful quilt donated by
Jean Wells of The Stitchin’ Post in Sisters; a Plein Air painting
by renowned pastel artist Norma Holmes; a golf foursome with Pro
Football Hall of Famer Dan Fouts; and a guitar signed by legendary
rockers Crosby, Stills and Nash.
“Love Letters” is presented by
Ray’s Food Place and The Oxford Hotel, with special thanks to The
Tower Theatre, X-Press Printing, Murray and Holt Motors, Bank of the
Cascades, and silent auction donors Jean Wells and The Stitchin’
Post, Dan Fouts, The Mockingbird Gallery and Norma Holmes.
Tickets for this benefit performance
are priced at $75, $50 and $35 and are available online at
towertheatre.org or at the Tower Theater box office starting July 1,
with a presale for Tower Theatre members starting on June 24. For
information, contact co-producer Novella Swisher at
swishern@bendbroadband.com
or the Tower Theater at 541-317-0700.