Locals Don Rathburn and Mary Ruth Jones will join the ranks of some of the top names in the theater world when they take on the characters of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III in the play “Love Letters,” which will be offered at the Strand Theatre this weekend.

Written by A. R. Gurney, “Love Letters” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and actors including Lynn Redgrave, Elizabeth Taylor, Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Mel Gibson, have played the characters since it premiered in 1988.

“‘Love Letters’ is very much like a radio drama”, director of the show Jack Burns said.

“In the audience, your experience should be no different than if your eyes are opened or closed,” Burns said with Rathburn adding, “You must use your imagination, just like with a radio show.”

“The play is a portrayal of things that have happened to the characters, both of them together and individually, only which we share by reading,” Jones said.

“There is no action, and I find that very difficult — to just read and express what the author wants you to do without moving, without gesturing — you only have your voice with the words in front of you.”

Rathburn, who is also no stranger to the stage, concurred with Jones.

“The play is very challenging, and it is totally performed with your voice,” he said.

“When working your way through the script you have to look for those words or phrases which will allow you to get your message to the audience.

Burns said working with both Jones and Rathburn has been good for him.

“It has been challenging to direct people that have more experience than I do. But both of them have been easy to work with and have enabled me to fit in my vision for the show, which I hope is close to the author’s vision.”

Burns added that Gurney gives a lot of dos and don’ts in the script.

“Love Letters,” which is an adult show, will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at 717 Clay St.

Tickets are $10 in advance at the Highway 61 Coffeehouse and $12 at the door.