Letter writing may be a “dying art,” as is suggested at one point in A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters,” but the new Good Theater production of the 1988 play makes a strong case for the power in committing thoughts and feelings to paper.

An admittedly stuffy and ambitious WASP, Andrew nonetheless finds himself bound for life to his childhood friend, Melissa. The true nature of their relationship is discussed and debated but never quite clearly defined by the letters they write to each other about their brief, in-person liaisons and their separate lives and loves.

Brian P. Allen, as Andrew, and Kathleen Kimball, as Melissa, sat side-by-side at a table at center stage for the 75-minute show, reading excerpts from a lifetime of postal communications their characters have shared. From childhood teasing through adolescent awkwardness to adult triumphs and frustrations, an unlikely yet credible and affecting relationship emerges through the words of this pair of privileged but obviously incomplete individuals.

Kimball gave an emotional edge to her character as she described spending most of her time moving between unsteady family relationships and an unstable sense of self. She drew sympathy through the growing realization she may not have what it takes to succeed in life. The balance offered by her relationship with the conventionally successful Andrew was not quite enough for her as she increasingly flirts with the “abyss,” while he reports on a stellar career at school and in politics and only hinted at personal troubles.

Allen kept his Andrew cool and vaguely reassuring, indicating that he cares while backing away from the heat of Melissa’s presence. His often banal newsletters are countered by her sometimes vulgar retorts, making for a relationship that cannot ever quite get to where it seems to consistently work for both.

In an effort to fill the dearth of theater-going opportunities this time of year, Allen, who also directs this play, and his behind-the-scenes cohorts decided to begin this first staging of Gurney’s epistolary work in early January, ahead of a flurry of local theater openings later in the month. The play will soon reappear in repertory with different male leads.

Tony Reilly (Jan. 29 to Feb. 7) and Steve Underwood (Feb. 12 to 21) will take on the role of Andrew while Kimball will continue as Melissa throughout the extended run of this touching little theater piece.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.

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