Love Letters
A unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”
The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 45MIN | 15min Intermission
Upcoming Performances
- Thursday, June 26th, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Opening Night Party
- Friday, June 27th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
- Saturday, June 28th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices
- General public: $25
- NMU Employees, Seniors and Military: $22
- Youth: $15
- NMU Students: $5
Cast Information
Amy Dolan-Malaney
"Melissa"
Robert Ouellette
"Andrew"
Cast Bios
Amy Dolan-Malaney (Melissa)- Amy Dolan-Malaney (AEA) is thrilled to be performing Love Letters this summer during the North Shore Theatre Festival at NMU, with her good friend, Bob. Marquette audiences may recognize her from Performances of I Do, I Do, Little Women and her one woman show I’m Becoming My Mother at Lake Superior Theatre. Other theatre credits include the 1 st National and Broadway cast recording of “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”. She has also worked at Flint Repertory Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre, Marriott’s Lincolnshire, Meadowbrook Theatre, Kenley Players, Surflight, Encore Musical Theatre Co. and others across the country. Opera credits include a 21 year affiliation with the Michigan Opera Theatre at the Detroit Opera House where she was involved not only in the mainstage productions, but also in the Community Programs division. She and her husband, Dennis, have called Big Bay their summer home for over 35 years. www.amydolanmalaney.com.
Robert Ouellette (Andrew)- Robert is thrilled to return to the stage in Love Letters at the North Shore Theatre Festival at NMU. He launched his career in Vancouver and has since performed in theatres across Canada, form coast to coast. Among his most cherished roles are George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Gary in Present Laughter, and King Henry i The Lion in Winter. A season at the renowned Stratford Festival included the unforgettable opportunity to appear in King Lear alongside Peter Ustinov. Robert extends his heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team at NMU, and a special note of gratitude to his dear friend and acting partner, Amy Dolan-Malaney.
Production Team Information
Production Team Bios
Allyson Macias (Production Stage Manager)- Allyson Macias is going into her third year at NMU as a Theatre Technology and Design Major. She is so excited to work on Love Letters and hopes you enjoy the show!
Dominic Mrakovcich (Sound & Media Supervisor)- Dominic Mrakovcich is a composer whose work bridges classical tradition and modern ambient sound. He has been commissioned for a range of projects, including the original score for Miguel Ramirez’s short film No Care in the World and a full-length ballet adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for Northern Michigan University. His music blends acoustic and electronic elements, often incorporating synthesizers and field recordings into carefully structured forms. Dominic earned his Master’s in Music Composition from East Carolina University, where he studied with Ed Jacobs, and holds a Bachelor's from UMass Amherst, where he studied under Salvatore Macchia, Ayano Kataoka, and Thom Hannum. Beyond composition, he has taught music theory and percussion, hosted Soundtrack Sundays on WCNI 90.9 FM, and worked extensively in technical theater with Connecticut College and The Garde Arts Center. Currently, he serves as Sound & Media Supervisor at Northern Michigan University, where he supports student work through video production, sponsorships, and sound design education.
Brayden Smith (Lighting Designer)- Brayden is a rising junior at Northern Michigan University pursuing a degree in Theater Technology and Design with a concentration in Audio and Lighting design. Brayden has many collegiate and professional credits, including Northern Michigan University's Ghost Soldiers (Lighting Designer), Northern Michigan University's Monty Pythons Spamalot (Head Electrician), North Coast Theatre and Dance Festival (Head Electrician), National Cherry Festival 2023-2024 (Audio Technician), LDI (Production Assistant), Northern Michigan University's Frankenstein (Sound Designer), SAYT's Finding Nemo (Sound Designer), Northern Michigan Universitys Alice in Wonderland (Lighting Designer), Northern Michigan Universities Jesus Christ Superstar (Associate Media Designer, Media Intergrator, Lighting Busker), and many more. With his degree, Brayden hopes to pursue a career in theatrical and concert lighting and audio design. This production is another step towards that goal.
Rachel Wells (Technical Director)- Rachel Wells (She/Her) is thrilled to join the NMU team as the Technical Director and Shop Supervisor. Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, she is excited to return to her home state. Rachel recently received her MFA in Theatre Technology from Indiana University where she served as the Technical Director for Indiana University Summer Theatre, IU’s professional summer stock, for the past three seasons. There she managed repertory productions with a small but skilled team of early career professionals. Rachel is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and loves helping young artists to grow their skills and confidence in the world of theatre.
North Coast Theatre & Dance Festival Staff
Professional Staff
| Producer | Bill Digneit |
| Artistic Director | Jill Grundstrom |
| Director of Production | David Pierce |
| Costume Shop Supervisor | Em Rossi |
| Lighting Supervisor | David Pierce |
| Properties Supervisor | Emily Rusmisel |
| Scene Shop Supervisor | Rachel Wells |
| Associate Scene Shop Supervisor | Emily Kendall |
| Sound & Media Engineer/Supervisor | Dominic Mrakovcich |
| Stage Management Supervisor | Jalina McClain |
| Box Office Manager | Kaitlyn Frotton |
| Marketing Manager | Eden Langlois |