The theater stars come out to shine

Never in memory have so many “stars” come out to shine as in this theater season. Even the “short list” boggles a theater lover’s mind; but if you haven’t visited the glowing revival of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” this critic’s experience at the Brooks Atkinson Theater — basking spellbound in the magic woven by the current cast of Alan Alda and Candice Bergen more than convinced me a return visit is a must. This duo have already extended their stay through Dec. 18. But each subsequent cast will surely bring their own take on Gurney’s tale of two lifelong friends who communicate mainly through cards and letters for over 50 years.
This glowing ode to the sharing of the vicissitudes of life lessons — from second grade, summer vacations, college, marriages (never to each other)) and the inevitable stumbling blocks that challenge us all as children, adolescents, parents, spouses, lovers, caregivers and confidantes will fill your heart with recollections of your own rites of passage; and re-awaken memories of the joys, comfort — and sometimes frustrations —that define “friendship.”
Future casts performing the roles of conservative Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and feisty friend Melissa Gardner — both from well-to-do backgrounds — include Stacey Keach and Diana Rigg, and Martin Sheen and Angelica Huston — with, hopefully new pairings to follow reflecting the glowing audience reception of this wise, reflective — but often equally most humorous exploration of the very definition of “friendship, sharing and love. (256 W. 47th St., ticketmaster.com or 877-250-2929 or visit lovelettersbroadway.com.
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