The Festival Announces the Cast of Dear Jack, Dear Louise 

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to share the cast of Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig in the intimate Anes Studio Theatre this summer. This two-person play will be directed by Michael Perlman and previews July 11, 2025. 

“Ken Ludwig’s dramatization of his own parents’ unconventional love story evokes so many relationships that come to be, despite all odds against them,” says Perlman. “His gem of a play reminds us that the most important parts of our lives are our relationships, and the ways in which those connections help us move through even the most challenging obstacles. I’m thrilled that not only do we get to share this with audiences this summer, but that we get to do so featuring two of my favorite actors, who bring this play to life in the most heartfelt and hilarious ways.”

The lead artistic staff working with Perlman are Scenic Designer Ben Hohman, Costume Designer Jeff Lieder, Lighting Designer Scott Bolman, Sound Designer/Composer Melanie Chen Cole, and Stage Manager Caleb Thomas Cook.  

The Festival is excited to announce this real-life husband-and-wife cast as:

John Diantonio returns, as Jack in Dear Jack, Dear Louise. Previously at the Festival he performed as Petruchio in last season’s The Taming of the Shrew. His work has also been seen at Denver Center Theatre Company, Creede Repertory Theatre, Arvada Center, and Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, in addition to many others. He received his MFA in Acting from National Theatre Conservatory, classical acting training at the British American Drama Academy, and improvisation training with The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade. He is the Festival’s artistic director and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.  

Caitlin Wise also returns, as Louise in Dear Jack, Dear Louise. She played the roles of Kate in last season’s The Taming of the Shrew and Emilia in The Winter’s Tale. She has also performed with Arvada Center, Theatreworks, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Creede Repertory Theatre, among numerous others. She received her MFA from National Theatre Conservatory and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

The 2025 season runs June 16 through October 4. Get your tickets now at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.