The Long Island debut of Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise on the SAC stage in Southampton Village was a huge success. Starring Barbara Jo Howard and Jack Seabury, both gave award-winning performances and drew a standing ovation at the Valentine’s Day show.
The two-time Olivier Award-winning Ken Ludwig play Dear Jack, Dear Louise unravels the poignant story of the playwright’s own parents’ unlikely courtship during World War II. Center Stage Founder, East End treasure, and icon Michael Disher directed the show. Once again, Disher displayed his ability to deliver wonderful, thought-provoking live programming by tuning up his actors to their finest pitch to shine on stage.
Jack Seabury was dynamic and dominant as U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon. Seabury easily connected with the audience as a genuine and inspiring captain. His facial expressions were exceptional. His face literally lit up and glowed at the high points of his dialogue, which centered on letters his character wrote to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City. Seabury uniquely touched the audience’s heart as he seemed to look into everyone’s eyes at once while reciting his lines.
Barbara Jo Howard once again delivered a command performance on the Southampton Arts Center Stage. She has a certain something that always connects with her audiences. Her performance as the aspiring actress and dancer Louise Rabiner may be her finest. It was almost like a masterclass in stage acting, watching her shift vocal tones, facial expressions, gestures, and movements. Ms. Howard’s portrayal of “Louise” lifted the audience’s experience of Ludwig’s play. Ms. Howard once again showcased that she has the “it” actor.
Kudos and accolades must go out to the whole production staff, folks who put in the time and effort but never get to bow on stage when the audience applauds. Thank you to Joey Giovingo for stage management and to Ken Blessing for lighting, sound, and projection design.
The next scheduled Center Stage production at the Southampton Arts Center will be The Great Gatsby, a live radio play adapted for the stage by Joe Landry based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, scheduled for October 2026.
