by Jeannie Marlin Woods
This charming “two-hander” playing at the Majestic Theater is a perfect little love letter that should not be missed. Based on the actual love story of playwright Ken Ludwig’s parents, “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is a wonder—marvelously constructed to hold our attention even though the plot conspires to keep our hero and heroine parted. The time is World War II, the place is America—the America we used to be. The gentle romance is steeped in nostalgia for another time when we might believe we could – and should – save the world.
Jack is a young doctor, drafted into service by the Army right out of med school. Louise is a young dancer and actress who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Although the couple has never met, their parents know each other and encourage them to meet. The problem is that Jack is currently stationed in Medford, Oregon and Louise is in a New York boarding house. They begin a relationship via letters and, over weeks and months, an affectionate intimacy develops. As the friendship deepens, Jack hopes to get a four-day pass to visit, but the war not only keeps him on base, but he is also shipped off to serve in Europe as a frontline medic. Through their unfettered personal musings, the characters reveal more about themselves than they ever would on an official date. Their friendship grows into something “more” but something that cannot be realized until they meet.
Ludwig’s script is marvelously structured to engage us in a relationship told entirely through letters. With humor and surprising events – such as Louise meeting his entire family of parents and a dozen aunts when she has never even seen Jack in person – deepens our desire to see the young folks get together. Jack also epitomizes the men of the “greatest generation” who knew why they went to war and what they were fighting for – a poignant aspect of the play given our current political events.
The performances of Jack and Louise by Gregory Boover and Alexandra O’Halloran are enchanting and moving. Boover perfectly captures the shy young man who sees himself as ordinary whereas he is extraordinary in so many ways – courageous, honest, sensitive, and empathetic. Boover is particularly affective as he gives in to the realities of war and its personal cost. O’Halloran fully embraces the giddy girl who wants to be a star, imbuing her with a sassy humor and grit. Although her voice can be overly strident at times, she and Boover have superior diction, projection, and know how to make the most of this richly crafted text. Together the actors have great chemistry, and the audience wants so much to see them finally know one another.
Director Sue Dziura stages the romance with a sure hand. The staging is elegant, efficient, and varied enough to sustain the monologues. Scenic designer Matthew Whiton and lighting designer Daniel David Rist give us an atmospheric setting attuned to the 1940s era. The playing space – a split stage representing Jack’s billet and Louise’s room—reveals the characters and morphs into the other locations with ease. Costumer designer Dawn McKay completes the picture with a few well-chosen costumes and costume pieces.
DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE is a gift to the audience in a time where so much of the media we encounter is mean, violent, or gritty. It is a joyous night at the theatre. Get your tickets before they are gone!
Credits
Playwright: Ken Ludwig
Director: Sue Dziura
Scenic Designer: Matthew Whiton
Lighting Designer: Daniel David Rist
Costume Designer: Dawn McKay
Cast:
Jack: Gregory Boover
Louise: Alexandra O’Halloran
DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE runs February 26 through April 4, 2026. See website for performance times.
For tickets & information:
info@majestictheater.com
413-747-7797
Running time: 2 hours with one intermission
Majestic Theater, 131 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA 01089
Closing date is April 4
Website: majestictheater.com