This February, the quaint town of Bennington is set to experience a touch of Hollywood as the Monument Arts & Cultural Center proudly presents the talented British-American couple, Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield, in a special performance of A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama, “Love Letters.”
Stepping into the shoes of Melissa Gardner, Juliet Mills is renowned for her captivating performances in both the United Kingdom and the U.S. Her impressive resume includes portraying Mrs. Kendal in the Tony Award-winning “The Elephant Man,” earning a Tony Award nomination for her role as Pamela Harrington in “Five Finger Exercise,” and charming audiences as the nanny in the 1970s TV series “Nanny and the Professor.”
Maxwell Caulfield, tackling the character of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, is equally distinguished for his contributions to both U.K. and U.S. theater and television. From his debut as Michelle Pfeiffer’s love interest in “Grease 2” to his portrayal of criminal defense lawyer Billy Flynn in “Chicago” and studio boss R.F. Simpson in “Singin’ in the Rain,” Caulfield has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
“Love Letters” weaves the poignant tale of Melissa and Andrew, lifelong friends whose 50-year relationship unfolds through letters exchanged since childhood in 1937. The narrative, rich with boarding school adventures, college dramas, failed marriages, and roller coaster careers, is eloquently brought to life as the actors read from a simple desk, eschewing the need for additional props or scene changes.
Celebrating 44 years of marriage, Mills and Caulfield express their enthusiasm for finally bringing “Love Letters” to the stage. They highlight the exceptional writing of the play, praising its insight into characters that resonate universally.
Despite their familiarity working together on stage, this marks the couple’s first performance of “Love Letters.” They believe their deep connection will enhance their portrayal, with audiences often forgetting their real-life relationship during the performances.
Caulfield appreciates the intimate setting of the 315-seat theater at MACCenter, deeming it perfect for the personal and engaging nature of “Love Letters.”
While Mills is yet to explore Vermont, Caulfield fondly reminisces about his weekend in the Rutland area during the filming of “Axcellerator” in 2020. He particularly cherishes the encounter with former Sen. Patrick Leahy, expressing his honor at meeting “the esteemed Senator.”
The Monument Arts & Cultural Center, situated at 44 Gypsy Lane in Bennington, stands as a nonprofit organization fostering artistic expression through classes, workshops, and captivating shows. Additionally, the center proudly showcases artworks created by local artists.
