Romantic 1945 Photos Wanted For 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise,' Debuting In Hamptons Valentine's Day Weekend

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Celebrating a weekend of love with the debut of "Dear Jack, Dear Louise" at the Southampton Arts Center, director Michael Disher is collecting black-and-white photographs from local couples circa 1945 for a projected compilation spotlighting the magic of enduring and forever romance.

Disher asks anyone with loveswept, romantic photos of couples from that time period to email them to him at mbentondisher@gmail.com.

Anyone who remembers the magic of the final scene in "The Way We Were," where Barbra Streisand's character, Katie Morosky, bid adieu with an aching soul to her beloved Hubbell, played by the incomparable Robert Redford, will remember the sparkling Pulitzer Fountain by the Plaza Hotel.

Without giving away any spoilers, the fountain plays a central role in this deeply romantic show, set in 1945, that speaks to the yearning and passion of a love story meant for eternity. The collection of photos will serve as the show's ending homage to love, Disher said.

"It's the greatest love story — that almost wasn't," Disher told Patch. "This is a World War II love story — just for Valentine's Day."

Celebrating a weekend of eternal Valentine's love, the Long Island debut of Ken Ludwig’s “Dear Jack, Dear Louise,” is set to capture hearts at the Southampton Arts Center.

Starring Barbara Jo Howard and Jack Seabury, the show runs from February 13 to 15, 2026, with shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 15 at the Southampton Arts Center.

According to a description of the show: “When two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday if the war will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship — before it even starts. Two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the poignant story of his own parents’ unlikely courtship during World War.”

The show is described as “storytelling at its best” by the Chicago Theatre Review.

The iconic Disher, who directs the show, explains why he chose the offering. “I have always been a fan of Ken Ludwig’s comedies, but this one seemed a bit more personal. It’s also a World War II love story, which always appeals to me. Plus, I like providing our Center Stage patrons and the Southampton Arts Center with interesting new works, and maybe some that have been forgotten.”

Disher said the idea of presenting the show as another Long Island premiere appeals. “And, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend. Historically I have directed Gurney’s ‘Love Letters’, as many others have. I felt it was time to give another title a chance. And not unlike’ Love Letters’, it is a two character epistolary piece. Remember when people used to write letters? I still believe people love to receive a handwritten note, and in this case, the entire play is the letters between Jack Ludwig and Louise Rabiner.”

For Disher, the show’s unveiling symbolizes a journey of the heart. “I stumbled across this play about four, maybe five years ago. I anxiously waited for the non-theatrical or amateur rights to become available and was so excited when they did. However, with most new plays, one then has to wait until every touring production leaves the 90-mile radius requirement. Luckily, my good news came this past summer as I was piecing together this year‘s season.”

The show is a sweet homage to the power of eternal love, Disher noted. “It is a joyful piece, full of Ludwig’s wit and warmth. And a perfect, perfect Valentine’s weekend date.”

Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For additional information, click here.