CENTERVILLE—Miriam Wilkins is an idealistic 16-year-old who has been writing letters to a soldier to boost his morale during World War II. To keep her age a secret, she signs them all with her older sister’s name, Ruth. That’s where the mixed messages and confusion begins when the soldier comes home to meet his girl – or so he thinks.

That sets the stage for CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s production of “Dear Ruth” now playing in the Leishman Performance Hall. 

Ruth Wilkins and Albert Kummer work together at the bank and they have been dating for a while. Albert is not quite what Ruth’s parents, Judge Harry Wilkins and Edith Wilkins were hoping for, so when Ruth comes home and announces that they’re getting married, they’re not sold on the idea. When Lt. William Seacroft shows up at their door looking for Ruth, they’re a bit confused but a little hopeful that he’s the “one.”

William talks non-stop about Ruth and shows her parents the photo he’s been carrying around in his plane through all of his tours. He tells them about all of the letters and poems they’ve exchanged and how anxious he’s been to meet her in person. Meanwhile, Harry and Edith try to entertain him while waiting anxiously for Ruth to return home and sort this all out.

When Ruth comes in, William swoops her up for a kiss but she has no idea who he is and why he’s there. After he leaves, Miriam admits what she’s done and everyone tries to come up with a plan to let poor William down gently before he leaves for his new assignment. 

There’s a mix of fun and romance as Ruth assures Albert that he has nothing to worry about. The show is especially engaging in the intimate setting of the Leishman Performance Hall where the audience is close to the stage and able to see the actors’ expressions, pulling them in as though they were part of the show.

Robyn Medeiros (Ruth) is perfectly coy as she tries to redirect William’s advances. Dylan Marriott (William) plays his part well as the lovestruck soldier and Jordan Palmer is hilarious as  Albert, Ruth’s long-suffering fiancee.

Some of the best moments are when Judge Harry Wilkins and Edith are on stage. Ed Farnsworth (Harry) delivers some great one liners and deadpan humor and together with Edith (Natalee Stuart) play the befuddled parents who don’t know who they’re supposed to root for. Don’t forget the maid Dora (Robin Renee) who gets a laugh every time she comes into the room.

“Dear Ruth” is a heartwarming and charming comedy that proves love conquers all. The show plays through Aug. 19 on Mondays and Thursdays – Saturdays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16. For more information about “Dear Ruth” go online to CPTUtah.org or call 801-298-1302. The theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West in Centerville.