New role for ex-meteorologist Kelly Bates: Co-starring in 'Love Letters'
Kelly Bates is used to being in front of an audience, but stepping onto the stage for a live performance — one that doesn’t ask her to point to a colorful weather map behind her — leaves her slightly jumpy.
“I thought it might be fun to have an artistic outlet,” said the Coventry resident of her role as half of one of three couples bringing the poignant “Love Letters” to the stage as the Community Players launch their 100th-anniversary season. It runs from Nov. 19-21 at Pawtucket's Jenks Auditorium.
Until September, Bates had spent her time in front of the cameras as a meteorologist at NBC10, where she worked for 17 years. She announced her departure amid a contract dispute. Since then, she has taken some online classes, applied for several emergency management jobs, and let her friend Frank O’Donnell enlist her for “Love Letters.”
New to RI:Live theater at PPAC is pretty wonderful return to (almost) normal life
“He asked if I’d be willing to do it, and I said yes. Then, he called to say we were in,” Bates says of the local comedian and actor, whom she met when cast as herself in his annual Christmas comedy “Ant’ny Claus” several years ago.
“Love Letters,” by A.R. Gurney, offers a look at two lifelong friends as they read letters exchanged through the years. The stark set — the actors sit at writing desks the entire show — prompts audiences to focus on the words, which Bates calls “meaningful.”
“This is a different kind of play,” she says. “There’s a lot of voice acting, which is tough when you like to use your hands to talk.”
And, while Bates did a few plays at Lyndon State College, now Northern Vermont University, she was happy not to have to memorize lines this time, as the actors read from letters on the desk before them. She’s watched a few college productions of “Love Letters” on YouTube, but finds The Community Players’ production unique.
On stage:Trinity Rep returns to live performances with 'A Christmas Carol'
"Ours leans more on the humor in the play — there are parts that are really funny! We don’t let a joke go by,” Bates says. “The experience has been great. When you do a project with a friend, it’s much easier. I’m not afraid to mess up in rehearsals.”
Beyond the show, she’s focused on caring for her father, who has been home in hospice care since July.
“I don’t have any job prospects, although I keep applying. I think things happen for a reason. I can spend this time with my dad and help with this process,” Bates says. “Life is an adjustment period for me. Eventually, I’ll find my niche, but this show has been helpful to get me out of my head and into someone else’s.”
If you go
What: "Love Letters"
Where: The Community Players, Jenks Auditorium, 350 Division St., Pawtucket.
When: Nov. 19-20, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $18 for adults, $12 for students and children.
COVID safety: Proof of full vaccination is required and masks must be worn.
Information:thecommunityplayers.net