NAPLES, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2020) – Romance is in the air at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples’ premier professional theater. This winter, the theater will stage special benefit performances of “Love Letters” Jan. 16-31, 2021. Beloved actors William Parry and Maureen Silliman will passionately bring to life A.R. Gurney’s story of hope, heartbreak, and love. All proceeds will benefit the Gulfshore Playhouse Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence. “During this time when so many theaters have been deeply challenged, and are fighting to stay alive, Maureen and I are pleased to be able to help support one of the theaters we love with these benefit performances,” said Parry. Spanning half a century and many miles, the relationship between Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III unfolds across a series of letters. Following their progression from childhood friends to complicated adults grappling with the choices they’ve made, “Love Letters” takes us on a nostalgic and vivid journey. These benefit performances will be minimally produced with costume design by Renee Baker and lighting design by Dalton Hamilton. “Audiences need hopeful stories these days, especially ones about human connection,” said Kristen Coury, founder and producing artistic director for Gulfshore Playhouse and the director of “Love Letters.” “Despite all the twists and turns their lives take, Melissa and Andrew remain connected in a special way and demonstrate a kind of love to which we can all aspire.” A long-time Broadway veteran, Parry previously performed at Gulfshore Playhouse in the hit productions of “All My Sons,” “Native Gardens,” and “My Fair Lady.” Part of the original Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” he went on to work with its celebrated director, Tom O’Horgan, in a number of other productions. He also starred in the Broadway productions of “Sunday in the Park with George,” the 1980 revival of “Camelot,” and more recently “Groundhog Day.” Parry has performed in the national tours of “A Few Good Men,” “The King and I,” and “Titanic.” His film and television credits include “In & Out,” “Spencer for Hire,” and “One Life to Live.” Silliman has appeared at Gulfshore Playhouse in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” “Native Gardens,” and “My Fair Lady.” She has performed on Broadway in “Shenandoah,” “I Remember Mama,” and “Is There Life After High School?” and Off-Broadway in “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” “Marathon Dancing,” “Three Postcards,” and “Reckless.” She also previously toured nationally in the productions of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Marigolds,” and “The Gingerbread Lady” and has numerous film and television credits. Tickets range from $42 to $70 for the benefit performances on Jan. 16 through 31. Specially priced performances will take place Jan. 14 and 15. To purchase tickets, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org. As part of Gulfshore Playhouse’s commitment to keeping patrons safe at the theater, a robust health and safety plan has been developed in accordance with guidelines by CDC, OSHA, City of Naples, and Naples Community Hospital. Safety protocols implemented at Gulfshore Playhouse include mandatory face masks, socially distanced seating with 50% capacity, extensive cleaning and disinfecting measures, air purification, ticketless entry, and digital playbills. For a full listing of safety measures, visit gulfshoreplayhouse.org/health-and-safety. Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. The Playhouse’s work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in its audiences an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community. -30- Contact: Angela Bell, PR Counsel, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Angela@gsma.pro