A True Story of War Time Romance
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Most plays that you see on stage are from the playwright’s imagination. Pure fiction, a made-up tale. What makes Dear Jack, Dear Louise special is that it’s a true story!
Ken Ludwig has written 34 shows, including Lend Me a Tenor, Fox on the Fairway, and the musical Crazy for You. But Dear Jack, Dear Louise is his first true story. He was inspired to create the play when he read the letters his parents wrote to each other during World War II. The two had never met, but their parents knew each other and Jack’s father encouraged him to write to Louise. Those sweet letters are coming alive on stage at Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia.
Jack is a medical doctor in the U.S. army, training in the western U.S., waiting for his active-duty orders. Louise is an aspiring Broadway star, going to auditions in hopes of landing a lead role. She happily replies to Jack’s first letter, and they immediately find each other interesting. After a few letters, Jack mentions that he is a doctor, and Louise responds that every girl wants to date a doctor.
It soon becomes apparent that the two are very different. Jack seems to be more traditional, more reserved, while Louise is out-going and assertive. They are both Jewish, which is the reason for their fathers wanting them to get to know each other.
The suspense in the show is created when they try to meet up with each other. He cannot get his commanding officer to give him leave. They plan to meet up, but she gets a role on a Broadway tour. Then he is shipped overseas to look after the war injured in Europe. There are delays in meeting each other, as well as set backs in the relationship.
Sarah Higgins is perfect as Louise, showing how much their friendship is growing through the mail. She is a delight, sharing both her excitement and disappointments in her stage career.
Seth Zosky is a perfect Jack, dedicated to his medical work and wanting to do his part in the war effort. His joy in receiving Louise’s letters is very apparent.
The two spar back and forth, and there are many funny comments and witty replies in the letters. The audience is caught up in the growing relationship and really wants everything to work out for this couple.
The play is set up as if they are talking to each other on stage, but of course, they are just saying what was said in the letters with the replies. It feels very much like the audience is listening in on their private conversations. Sitting in the audience, you just want this couple to get on with falling in love. The first time a letter is signed “Love, Louise”, a sigh of happiness filters across the audience.
On the stage we see Jack on the left in his army barracks, while on the right, Louise has her scripts, her music and her wardrobe around her. Also, 1940s war time music is heard from time to time so that we are taken right into that era.
A well-written script, well directed and staged, with two talented actors give us this charming show. There is nothing more endearing than watching a couple fall in love before your eyes. These actors show us exactly how and why that happened, and we fall in love with them, too.
Don’t miss the chance to see this funny and engaging show. Set against the war, we can see parallels to today’s world. But this play offers a sweet story that shows how good things can come out of bad.
Dear Jack, Dear Louise continues at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia until June 27. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-717-7694 or http://thevpp.ca/
The show is 100 minutes including intermission.
Photo: Seth Zosky as Jack and Sarah Higgins as Louise. Photo by Diane O’Dell.
Full Disclosure: The director is the reviewer’s son. The reviewer insists that she has not been swayed in any way, and still maintains it is an excellent production. Go see it.
Dear Jack, Dear Louise
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Thomas Alderson
Performed by Sarah Higgins and Seth Zosky
Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia
June 10 to 27, 2025
Reviewed by Mary Alderson