Dear Jack, Dear Louise
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Robin Gordon Featuring Cameron Kubly and Katie Davis
Rehearses: 6/15/26 Preview: 7/9/26 Opening: 7/10/26 Closing: 7/26/26 15 performances
Performed at the Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts,
1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL 33603
Running Time: Approx. 90 minutes plus one 15-minute intermission
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 allows. But as it
continues, it threatens to end their relationship before it even starts. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken
Ludwig (Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Lend Me a Tenor) tells the joyous, heartwarming story
of his parents’ courtship during World War II and the results are anything but expected.
Season Sponsors: The Gobioff Foundation; Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners;
Andrea Graham & Geoff Simon; Hal Freedman & Willi Rudowsky. Ticketing Sponsor: Russell Buchan.
Opening Night Sponsors: Andrea Graham & Geoff Simon
Dear Jack, Dear Louise Opening Night Celebration
July 10, 2026 - Time: 6:00 - 7:00pm - with light bites and an open bar
Location: Tampa Preparatory School (Tampa Prep), 727 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606. - .4 miles
across the bridge to the Straz Center, plus FREE PARKING!
Opening Night Ticket includes the Celebration and 7:30 P.M. Show at the Shimberg Playhouse
Themes of the play
Love Through Adversity – A romance that blossoms despite wartime uncertainty.
Resilience – The strength to sustain hope and connection in challenging circumstances.
Human Connection Across Distance – Letters as a lifeline for intimacy and understanding.
Patriotism and Service – The personal sacrifices made in the shadow of national duty.
Fate and Chance – How timing and circumstance shape the course of relationships.
The Power of Storytelling – Sharing one’s life through words to build trust and emotional bonds.
An accomplished local cast and creative team
Directed by Robin Gordon
The cast features Cameron Kubly (It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Crucible) and
Katie Davis (The Bridges of Madison County)
The creative team: Celeste Silsby Mannerud, lighting design; Trish Meade, costume design;
Georgia Mallory Guy, sound design; Dean Wick, scenic/props
Tickets and production information are available here:
https://www.strazcenter.org/events/2526-season/rental/dear-jack-dear-louise/