813.556.T.REP (8737) info@tamparep.org

Tickets are on their way! Check back soon for a link on this page.

touching

patriotic

witty

“It is beautifully fitting that Dear Jack, Dear Louise opens on July 4th, 2026. This poignant story of love, sacrifice, and resilience during World War II honors the spirit of those who came before us, making it a meaningful way to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.”

Emilia Sargent

Producing Artistic Director, TampaRep

Hillsborough County Logo
Dear Jack Dear Louise

Dear Jack, Dear Louise

by Ken Ludwig

directed by TBA

Presented at the Shimberg Playhouse
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL  33603

Preview July 3, 2026

EARLY OPENING NIGHT July 4, 2026, 6:00pm
The USA is turning 250! To accomodate the date, TampaRep will open this patriotic show at 6pm, finishing at around 8 so we can all be free to enjoy the festivities around the waterfront!

Run July 4-19, 2026

 

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

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 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.

“An affecting love letter to unlikely romance… a poignant, funny tribute to the enduring power of human connection.”

 The Washington Post

“Ludwig’s play, though about a particular moment in his personal history as well as our collective history, also resonates today. Dear Jack, Dear Louise is a moving, funny, and heartbreaking reminder of what we should strive to become, individually and as a country.”

BroadwayWorld

“Moving and cinematic… The play, based on the correspondence of Ludwig’s parents-to-be, crackles with humor and real feeling.”

 DC Theatre Scene

“An intimate play with tremendous breadth… Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise plumbs the depths of human courage, commitment, and connection when the world and your heart are at stake.”

– DC Metro Theater Arts

Support us with a quick donation: Venmo @TAMPAREP

LOCATION

Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Shimberg Playhouse
1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa, FL  33602

DATES & TIMES

July 3 – 19, 2026
Opening Night: July 4th – 6:00pm
Thu / Fri / Sat evenings – 7:30pm
Sat / Sun matinees – 3:00pm

Seating begins 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Approximate running time is 90 minutes plus one 15-minute intermission.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is a fully ADA compliant venue. Please click this link for MORE INFORMATION.

PARKING

There is plenty of parking all around the Straz Center. MORE INFORMATION is available here.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Seating will be general admission – first-come, first seated.
Beverages (alcoholic and non) and snacks will be available for purchase at various vendors at the Straz Center.

Straz Center for the Perfoming Arts