Stage Loving Couple to Perform Together

The following is an announcement posted on Burlington Patch that has been re-formatted as an article. Proceeds from the play to benefit the Benefit Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton.

A Burlington native who met her now husband doing a community theatre production is part of the two couples taking the stage as on-stage couples in Newton Country Players’ fall production of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters.

Diane Meehan will perform as Melissa Gardner at Trinity Parish Church in Newton Centre on Thursday, October 18, and Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m., opposite her husband, Peabody native Kenny Meehan, who plays Andrew Makepeace Ladd III.

Diane Meehan says a NCP producer and actress playing Melissa during the Saturday and Sunday performances, JulieAnn Govang, recommended her and Kenny for roles in the Nashoba Players’ 2004 production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

“My mother likes to say, ‘Virginia Woolf became a love story,’” she said.

Diane says her off-stage chemistry with Kenny translates in their on-stage performance. In the play, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama after it was first performed in 1988, the characters of Melissa and Andy reflect back on their nearly 50-year relationship as they go through notes, cards, and of course, love letters.

“There is a level of trust between us that allows us to really dig deep and experiment without fear of being judged. There is probably an element of voyeurism for the audience as well. They are getting a glimpse into our interactions,” she said.

JulieAnn and Michael Govang, who live in Ayer, will perform as Melissa and Andy on Saturday, October 20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 21 at 2 p.m. So that audience members can see both couples, NCP is offering tickets to two shows for a discounted rate of $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors. For one show, tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors.

One dollar from all tickets will support the Centre Street Food Pantry. Non-perishable food, juices, and toiletries will also be collected at the door for the pantry.

To buy tickets online, go to http://www.newtoncountryplayers.org. You can also make a reservation by calling 617.244.9538 or emailing ncplayersinfo@gmail.com.