South of Broadway Theatre Offer Up A Heartwarming & Whimsical Rendition of This Real Life Love Affair

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

South of Broadway Theatre (SOBT) open their 2025-26 play season with a heartwarming rendition of 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' from Two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig. Based on his parents’ courtship during World War II, the stage play presents as a love story between U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig (a military doctor stationed in Oregon) and Louise Rabiner (an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City). 

The couple exchange letters on a regular basis, with hopes of meeting after the conflict is over. Separated by 3000 miles and the uncertainty of war, the distance between them somehow gets smaller with every envelope opened by one anther. Can two young people from different worlds be united amidst the backdrop of a world war.

At its essence, and when properly presented 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' is a whimsical and beautiful love story. SOBT do justice to this delightful stage play, with their rendering pulling on every affectional heartstring. It's warm, wonderful, happy, sad, and funny throughout all 90 minutes, with the two actors totally invested in their respective roles.

Making his SOBT debut, Evan Wilson is fully believable as Jack, a tried and true patriot dedicated to serving his country, all the while becoming increasingly distraught with the mayhem war brings, let alone the separation it presents with a new relationship. Rainey Barrineau brings a lot of robust life and spontaneity to Louise, portraying her beautifully as an aspiring actress hopeful for her big break on Broadway. 

Kudos to director Matt Hasty for casting two dedicated thespians, who together light an incredible theatrical passion on stage. Further kudos to Mary Gould and Anne Maree Lawrence who do just about everything else behind the scenes including costumes, set design, and stage management. The stage is a welcome set divided by a khaki and green US Army background for Jack, with Louise's humble abode reminiscent of a 1940's NYC studio apartment. Authenticity is not overlooked at SOBT. Overall, the team don't just 'mail it in', rather 'they deliver' (both puns intended).

In live theatre it takes a village, and SOBT fully commit to this production of 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise', which is making its low country debut. This production has my 'theatrical stamp of approval' (another pun). With just a limited run, the stage play at the South of Broadway Theatre located at 3346 Rivers Avenue in North Charleston is well worth the insanely low ticket price ($15-$22). Weekend performances extend through Oct 5th. For more visit https://www.southofbroadway.com/events  ==========================================================================================

Side note: For those who embrace live theatre, Charleston's theatrical community is vibrant and welcome. However, aside from the travelling Broadway shows at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and a couple of venues, often local theatre companies play to smaller audiences, sometimes just friends and families related to the cast and crew.

I strongly urge people of all ages to consider adding local live theatre as an alternative to weekend entertainment options. Considering the price of a movie and the over-priced concessions, most of the live theatre companies are a much better value. The overall benefit is you're supporting the local community and encouraging those beginning their careers in the theatre. It's a win win!