Micheal Learned & Daniel Davis to Lead DTC's LOVE LETTERS

Delaware Theatre Company has announced casting for the 2014-2015 season opener LOVE LETTERS. LOVE LETTERS will star Michael Learned from TV's "The Waltons," and Daniel Davis from TV's "The Nanny".

Michael Learned, the beloved matriarch of an American TV Classic plays the character of Melissa Gardner in this poetic, elegant and profoundly touching tale of a relationship between two joined souls. Best known for her exceptional work in the role of Olivia Walton, Michael Learned has also appeared in stage productions both On and Off-Broadway, most recently in "Love Loss And What I Wore," with Rubicon Theatre Company. In October of 2012, Learned joined TV veterans Peter Strauss and Ian Lithgow on DTC's stage in Bruce Graham's THE OUTGOING TIDE. The four-time Emmy Winner and Golden Globe nominated actress also made career appearances on "General Hospital" and "The Young and the Restless."

Opposite Michael Learned, Daniel Davis helms the role ofAndrew. Throughout the 90's, Davis portrayed Niles, the loyal and often sardonic butler on the TV series "The Nanny". Other TV and Movie credits include appearances on NBC's "Frasier", and CBS's "Star Trek: The Next Generation," as well as "The Hunt for Red October". Davis is also an established theatre actor and has appeared On and Off-Broadway, namely Georges in LA CAGE, George Bernard Shaw in THE FROGS and Antonia Salieri in AMADEUS. Davis was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in WRONG MOUNTAIN in 2000.

Written by A.R. Gurney, the Pulitzer Prize-winning two character play explores the bittersweet relationship between Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner. Over the span of fifty years, the two sympathize (and amiably bicker) throughout marriages, children, divorces, love affairs, and careers. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, and funny reflection. LOVE LETTERS shows that, despite how things seem, what divides us is rarely as powerful as what connects us, and love comes when you least expect it.

"So much of the power of LOVE LETTERScomes from its simplicity," says Executive Director Bud Martin. "Two actors being forced to listen to each other. The audience will not get swept up in the magic of a moving set piece or costume, rather the emotional impact that moves you to the heart of the story. I am thrilled to have such strong actors as Michael and Danny at DTC to do this."

"I've had the pleasure of performing this jewel of a piece many times all over North America," says Michael Learned, "I can't wait to come back to The Delaware Theatre Company to share this lovely play with audiences. This play is funny, spry, and at times, heartwrenching. Hasn't everyone had a great love that might have been. . . maybe SHOULD have been? I love it when people wait after the show and I see grown men wiping away a tear! I can't tell you how many times men have said "my wife dragged me here and I had the BEST time!"".

LOVE LETTERS will run at the Delaware Theatre Company from September 17th-October 5th, 2014. Single tickets range from $30 to $45 and are on sale now by calling the Delaware Theatre Company Box Office at (302) 594-1100, online at delawaretheatre.org, or by visiting the Box Office at 200 Water Street, Wilmington DE, 19801. Group rates and discounts for seniors, students, and military members are available.

Opening Night is September 20th, 2014. Reviewing members of the press should contact Director of Marketing and Development Andy Truscott at 302-504-3451 or ATruscott@delawaretheatre.org to reserve their tickets.

Delaware Theatre Company's 2014-2015 Season is sponsored in part by the Delaware Division of the Arts. LOVE LETTERS is sponsored, in part, by show sponsor Corporation Service Company.

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