**** Over the years, theater audiences have been witness to many a play that has an unusual love story as its theme. In Sarah Ruhl’s “Dear Elizabeth” we are witness to a “friendship” of some 30 years of letter writing between a man, Robert Lowell ( Deftly handled by Christopher Sheard) and Elizabeth Bishop ( played to perfection by Leah Karpel). Their correspondence was a blend of personal stories and creative writing and while they had several meetings in person, their connection was more of a great friendship mixed with a different type of love!

Skillfully directed by Christina Casano on a set designed by Catalino Nino, this is an unusual production that entails two acts, yet is in total 100 minutes (including the intermission). I think it might even be stronger without the intermission as there are people who become distracted with time off and have a problem getting back into the story. I also think that Remy Bumppo might want to invest in a few microphones so that people in row G and beyond don’t miss some very succinct and important dialogue.

While this play centers on this special friendship, it also digs into a different type of love. Through their letters, each gets insight into the other and brings these literary giants to a world where each has specific feelings for the other. Each has their own insecurities about their lives and each finds the need to read the other, thus creating a connection that cannot be duplicated. Ruhl is known for the depth of her work and this one fits into the mold of her past successes. The writers are played to show us that while the connection between them is powerful, it is more platonic, leaving the audience with the idea of “what might have happened, if?”.

On the technical side of the production, the set was perfect with props (Isa Noe) that are amazing. The lighting (Maximo Grano De Oro) and costumes (Kotryna Hilko) work well and the projections (John Boesche) add to the storytelling experience. It is a story that one must pay attention to, and I promise you that you will see a love story that is not like anything you have ever experienced before.

“Dear Elizabeth” will continue thru – Nov 17th with performances as follows: