HAMILTON — They can't live with each other, but find it impossible to live without each other.

        That's the premise of A.R. Gurney's “Love Letters,” a play that opened Friday and continues this weekend by the Mad Anthony Theatre Company.

        Different actors will play the two characters in each of the six performances.

        “The play takes place over a period of 50 years, starting in 1937, when the young people meet,” said Marion Thoms, who will perform with her husband Paul. “They meet off and on, and have an affair, but everything is communicated through their letters.”

        “The play delves into their relationships, love that works out and love that doesn't,” said Henry Cepluch, artistic director of the Mad Anthony Theatre Company.

        During the play's Broad way run, several famous twosomes played the roles of Andy and Melissa, including Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman and George C. Scott and Colleen Dewhurst.

        Mr. Cepluch extended the concept to the Mad Anthony production, inviting six married Hamilton couples to join the cast. Other actors are arts supporters from Butler County.

        This is the premiere production of the Mad Anthony Theatre Company, which replaces the MisFit Theatre Company as the Fitton Center's resident acting organization. Proceeds from “Love Letters“ will help fund the company's future productions.

        “Because it's a fund-raiser, all these people are volunteering their time and talents,” Mr. Cepluch said.
       

IF YOU GO

               • What: Love Letters, presented by Mad Anthony Theatre Company.

        • When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.

        • Where: Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton.

        • Admission: $8 Fitton members; $10 nonmembers.

        • Information: 863-8873.

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