Theatre Collingwood is bringing A.R. Gurney’s charming and surprisingly witty play Love Letters to the Simcoe Street Theatre, and it’s not your typical night at the theatre.

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama, Love Letters tells the story of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, two people whose lives remain intertwined through the notes, cards and letters they exchange over nearly 50 years. From childhood crushes to adult regrets, from big dreams to missed chances, their correspondence reveals the beautiful messiness of love, friendship, timing, and all the things we wish we’d said sooner.

The show is quick-witted, and surprisingly fun. It’s not just for those celebrating Valentine’s Day. Rather, Love Letters is for anyone who likes something a little different and loves good writing. The actors sit side by side, and while reading the letters aloud, they let the language, humour, and emotion do all the heavy lifting to tell the story. What sounds simple on paper becomes completely captivating on stage.

Theatre Collingwood is presenting three performances, each featuring a different pair of well-loved local actors, so every performance brings its own chemistry, energy, and spark:

Friday, Feb. 13 features Dean Hollin and Tara Kivlichan at 7:30 p.m.;

Saturday, Feb. 14 features Chelsea Coulter and Jason Murphy at 2 p.m.;

Saturday, Feb. 14 features Jake McArthur and Shirley Joost at 7:30 p.m.

All performances take place at the Simcoe Street Theatre. The production is co-directed by Erica Angus and Jim Roe, both of whom are long-time admirers of Gurney’s elegant writing and champions of great storytelling.

“Love Letters sneaks up on you,” said Angus. “It feels light and playful and then suddenly you’re laughing one moment and deeply moved the next. It’s honest, relatable, and wonderfully human,” she adds.

Since its premiere in the late 1980s, Love Letters has been a favourite on Broadway and around the world, often featuring rotating casts of celebrated performers. Perfect for Valentine’s or Galantine’s, or for anyone who just loves smart, beautifully written theatre.

Love Letters proves the most powerful love stories aren’t always big or flowery. Sometimes they arrive quietly, one letter at a time. The production is proudly supported by Prime Seven Nine, Upper Kitchen and Bar.

Tickets are on sale now and seats are limited. For tickets and information, visit www.theatrecollingwood. ca or contact the box office at 705-445-2200. Simcoe Street Theatre is located at 65 Simcoe St. in Collingwood.