The stars of the classic film Love Story are to reunite on stage in the UK touring production of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, opening at the Theatre Royal Bath on the 11th September 2017.
Directed by Gregory Mosher, A.R. Gurney’s play is all about first loves and second chances and will arrive in the UK following successful Broadway run and US tour.
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (O’Neal) wrote his first letter to Melissa Gardner (MacGraw) to tell her she looked like a lost princess; they were both seven years old. For the next fifty years, through personal triumphs and despair, through wars and marriages and children and careers, they poured out their heartfelt secrets to each other. They defied a fate that schemed to keep them apart, and lived for the one most meaningful thing, their undying love for each other.
With tickets going on sale in early 2017, the 12 week UK tour will visit Theatre Royal, Bath, Theatre Royal, Newcastle; Bradford, Edinburgh, Norwich, Woking, Sheffield, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Manchester, Nottingham, and finish its run at the Bord Gais Theatre in Dublin.
Producer David Ian said of the news: “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing two such huge stars to the UK in this wonderful and moving play. Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal are true Hollywood legends and it will be very special indeed to see them live on stage together.”
Ali MacGraw’s big acting break when selected to play the role of Jenny Cavalleri in the heartbreaking film Love Story. Her other screen credits include Goodbye Columbus and The Getaway, co-starring Steve McQueen.
Meanwhile Ryan O’Neal’s credits include Love Story in which he got his big break and went on to star opposite Barbra Streisand in What’s Up Doc? and can currently be seen in the hit crime series Bones.
Love Letters will open its UK tour at the Theatre Royal Bath on the 11th September 2017.