Performed by Lev Grzhonko & Maria Atlas
Directed by Gera Sandler
There is a particular kind of magic that happens when a play built on simplicity is carried by two actors who know how to fill that simplicity with truth. This Off-Off Broadway production of Love Letters, performed by Lev Grzhonko and Maria Atlas and directed by Gera Sandler, is a perfect example of that magic—intimate, emotionally resonant, and deeply human.
From the first moments, Grzhonko and Atlas fully transformed into their characters, guiding the audience through decades of shared history with clarity, tenderness, and authenticity. Their chemistry was undeniable. Lev brought nuance and depth to every shift in emotion, while Maria created a rich, luminous emotional landscape—vulnerable, witty, and compelling. Together, they breathed life into the letters in a way that made the relationship feel lived-in and true.
The audience was visibly moved, responding with quiet laughter, soft sighs, and an attentiveness that spoke to the strength of the performances. You could feel the room lean in—an experience that only small, intimate theater spaces can truly offer.
The set design was simple yet beautifully nuanced, offering the perfect backdrop for a story that relies more on emotional storytelling than visual spectacle. The intimate theater space elevated this even further, creating a sense of closeness and involvement that suited the play perfectly.
What stood out most was the emotional honesty at the heart of the performance. Grzhonko and Atlas carried the piece with exceptional skill, making the hour and a half feel effortless and deeply absorbing.
This production of Love Letters is absolutely worth seeing. It’s a reminder of what theater can do when guided by strong direction and anchored by two exceptional performances. For anyone who loves character-driven storytelling, emotional depth, and intimate theater, this is a must-see.
ARTIUM: OMNI 