Words and Images Courtesy Virginia Stage Company
(Norfolk, VA) The Virginia Stage Company is excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for the company’s first Repertory productions of Ken Ludwig’s heart-warming comedy Dear Jack, Dear Louise and Jeanne Sakata’s moving work Hold These Truths. Both plays will be produced at the Historic Wells Theatre (108. E. Tazewell Street) with Dear Jack, Dear Louise opening on Friday, October 22nd and Hold These Truths on Saturday, October 23rd. Both of these gripping, World War II Era stories will be directed by DC-Based Director Seema Sueko, who had this to say about these challenging works:
“These two real-life American narratives begin in exactly the same year, 1942, demonstrating that the American experience is multi-faceted. Love and victory live side by side with the painful, important, and on-going pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Placing these two stories side by side widens the lens so we can see and embrace more of America, this beautifully complex and unique country.”
Dear Jack, Dear Louise tells the story of a military doctor and a Broadway chorus performer’s unlikely romance, entirely via letters, during WWII. Through the letters of Ludwig’s own parents, this enrapturing tale captures the struggles, heartbreak, humor, and sense of togetherness that held so many families and loved ones together in these tumultuous times. It illustrates the moving sentiment that while apart, experiences and togetherness can persevere even through the toughest of challenges. Real-life married couple Dan Fenaughty and Larissa Klinger return to play the lead roles after a triumphant staged reading on board the USS Wisconsin in May.
In Sakata’s brutally honest and sincere retelling of the lived experiences of Gordon Hirabayashi, Hold These Truths in a one-man performance told from the perspective of the Asian-American Sociologist who openly spoke out against the internment of Japanese Citizens during World War II. In 1943, Hirabayashi filed a lawsuit to the Supreme Court opposing Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 and led him down a road of intense perseverance, bravery, and showing the world the true embodiment of the American spirit.
Tickets are now on sale by either visiting www.vastage.org or calling the Box Office at (757) 627-1234 Monday through Friday from 10am - 3pm. In response to the Novel Coronavirus, Virginia Stage Company is requiring proof of vaccinations or a negative COVID Test administered within 72 hours of entry to it’s productions. Images of the front and back of the card will be accepted in lieu of the physical card, and masks will be required of all guests and individuals present in the space. Seating in the orchestra will be arranged as normal, but for those concerned about social distanced seating; arrangements have been made in the mezzanine. You can learn more about our safety policies here: https://www.vastage.org/21entrypolicy See information on cast below: Cast of Dear Jack, Dear Louise
Dan Fenaughty (Jack) is grateful to be back on stage for his VSC debut. After this year's turmoil, he is honored to share a story that exemplifies the hopeful nature of our human spirits. These characters reach out to each other across time and distance to find love in uncertain times. I pray that if, and when, your life is touched by struggle you can access the same hope exemplified by Jack and Louise. My humble thanks to our talented crew, production team, and theater management staff who made this event possible. All my love to Larissa without whom this life, past year, and all my tomorrows would lack the joy, passion, and clarity that you bring. And my undying gratitude to all the service members and military families, like mine, who protect our country as we become a more perfect union. This role is dedicated to them. www.danfenaughty.com
Larissa Klinger (Louise) is overjoyed by your support of Live Local theater in her VSC Debut! After growing up in an Army family that traveled the world, Larissa chose to pursue a performing career that has brought her around our country. Along with her theatre career, she has shared her talents with our military through the USO Show Troupe. Larissa hopes that you will join her in giving back to a community of service members and their families that need our support before, during, and after deployment. Thank you to all the people at VSC who made this event possible during these uncharted waters. All my love to Dan, my favorite scene partner. www.Larissaklinger.com
Cast of Hold These Truths
Greg Watanabe (Gordon Hirabayashi) made his Broadway debut in Allegiance and was recently seen in Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band at Victory Gardens, The City Theatre Pittsburgh, Merrimack Repertory Theatre. He has performed in the world premiere productions of The Ballad Of Yachiyo (Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Public Theater-New York), The Summer Moon (A Contemporary Theater, South Coast Repertory Theatre), The Happy Ones (South Coast Rep, L.A. Drama Critics Circle nomination for Best Featured Performance) and Extraordinary Chambers (The Geffen Playhouse, Ovation nomination for Best Featured Actor). Other appearances include Golden Child (Signature Theatre), Hold These Truths (Perseverance Theater, New Century Theater), Yellow Face (Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company, San Diego Theater Critics Circle nomination for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play).
Interviews can be arranged by contacting Director of Marketing, Maris Smith, at msmith@vastage.org. Virginia Stage Company is Southeastern Virginia’s leading theatre destination, serving an audience of over 58,000 annually, both at the Wells Theatre and throughout the community. Virginia Stage Company’s mission is to “enrich, educate, and entertain the region by creating and producing theatrical art of the highest quality.”