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A love story delivered through the mail

Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise: Love Letter Experience

“To watch this love affair grow over letters is intriguing and fun.”
— Molly Smith, Artistic Director

A unique theatrical experience inspired by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig’s (Broadway’s Lend Me a TenorCrazy For YouDear Jack, Dear Louise

In 2019, Arena Stage introduced you to Louise Rabiner and Jacob Ludwig, the parents of playwright Ken Ludwig, and audiences fell in love with their heart-warming love story. 

Patrons can now experience the magic of their connection and intimate journey through a series of nine letters of handwritten correspondence including letters, photos and telegrams designed and handcrafted with period details by Arena’s Stage’s Properties Director Jenn Sheetz and Associate Properties Director Lance Pennington and developed by Arena Stage's Casting Director/Line Producer Teresa Sapien. 

Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise Love Letter Experience is generously sponsored by the Artistic Director Fund.

About Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise

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. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes MysteryLend Me a Tenor) tells the joyous, heart-warming story of his parents’ courtship during World War II and the results are anything but expected.

Playwright

KEN LUDWIG

Playwright

Multimedia

Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise: Love Letter Experience" with the playwright
From Page to Stage: Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise: Love Letter Experience"
"Dear Jack, Dear Louise" season preview with playwright Ken Ludwig
See what audiences are saying about Ken Ludwig's 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise'

In the News

Broadway World

Photo Flash: Cast of Arena Stage's Newsies and Ken Ludwig Volunteer at the United Service Organization

DC Metro Theater Arts

Ken Ludwig on Dear Jack, Dear Louise, a long-awaited stage celebration of his parents’ long-distance romance

American Theatre Magazine

Ken Ludwig’s Love Letter to His Pen-Pal Parents

Washington Post

Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise is an affecting love letter to unlikely romance

WONK-FM

A good old fashioned love story to escape the Washington craziness

Playbill

Jake Epstein to Star in World Premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise

USPS - Link

1940s wartime letters inspire world-premiere play

The Southwester

A tale of long-distance love: Talking with the actors of Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise