Sandy Duncan and Ira David Wood III to Star in NC Theatre's LOVE LETTERS

Star of stage and screen, Sandy Duncan, and Raleigh's own, Ira David Wood III will both return to the North Carolina Theatre stage this January in the upcoming production of "Love Letters." Directed by Guy Stroman, the limited engagement runs January 12-21, 2018 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh.

Written by A. R. Gurney in 1988, "Love Letters" is a favorite of actors and audiences alike. The two-character play follows the relationship between stuffy, blue-blood Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (Wood) and free-spirit Melissa Gardner (Duncan), throughout their lives from childhood to death, as chronicled in the letters they write to each other.

Duncan, who previously appeared as the lead in North Carolina Theatre's 2014 production of "Driving Miss Daisy," has a stage and screen career spanning several decades and has been nominated for three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Her many Broadway credits include "Peter Pan," "Chicago," "My One and Only," and "The Boyfriend." On television, she starred in the CBS sitcom "Funny Face," "The Sandy Duncan Show," and for several seasons appeared in "Valerie's Family" as Sandy Hogan.

Wood is founder and executive director of Theatre in the Park and a leader in the Raleigh arts community. On stage, he is best known as Ebenezer Scrooge in his own musical adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," which celebrates its 43rd year of consecutive production this December. Wood has previously appeared at North Carolina Theatre in "Man of La Mancha," "Funny Girl," "Peter Pan," "La Cage aux Folles," "Oliver," "The Wizard of Oz," "The Full Monty," "Grease," "Billy Elliot the Musical" and "The Sound of Music."

"We're thrilled to have Sandy and David back at North Carolina Theatre. They have both delighted our audiences in the past with their roles in productions like 'Driving Miss Daisy,' and 'Billy Elliot,' " said North Carolina Theatre artistic director, Casey Hushion. "In the intimate setting of the Fletcher Theatre, audiences will have an opportunity to experience the intense spark and gripping emotions between these two engaging stars as they play childhood friends, exchanging letters over the span of 50 years."

Experience romance the old fashioned way with Pulitzer Prize finalist, "Love Letters." A unique and imaginative piece that explores the many forms of love shared by childhood friends who remain pen pals for over 50 years, chronicling every aspect of their very different lives with one another. Despite leading lives that should not intersect, they can't let go of each other.

For tickets to North Carolina Theatre's production of "Love Letters," visit nctheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. For groups of 10 or more, call 919- 831-6941 x6949. Coming up in our 2017/2018 season: "Gypsy," November 14-19, 2017; "The Wizard of Oz," March 13-18, 2018 (tour); "Bright Star," April 17-22, 2018 (tour); "A Night with Janis Joplin," May 4-20, 2018; "Disney's Newsies," July 24-29, 2018.

Established in 1984, North Carolina Theatre is Raleigh's premier, non-profit professional regional theatre. With its successful formula of producing top quality musicals with top national performers and local talent, North Carolina Theatre has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Raleigh over the years. Through its conservatory, it has provided exceptional arts training to hundreds of local youth. By offering broad access to live theatre, while strengthening economic growth, the organization continues to fortify the cultural vitality of the region.

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