A romantic comedy set during World War II and based on real events is now on stage in New Jersey.

“Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is a love story unfolding in letters between an Army doctor and an aspiring New York actress who have never met.

Bill Army portrays Jack, and Amelia Pedlow portrays Louise.

“It’s about two people who through an enormous amount of distance and courage and humor are able to get to really know each other,” Army says.

Each character is on opposite sides of the stage, signifying the thousands of miles between them. They read one another’s letters as their relationship deepens. Jack treats the war wounded and is frustrated over the battlefield, while Louise tries to land a part in a Broadway show.

The story is based on the real-life relationship of the parents of playwright Ken Ludwig.

“I hope that people recognize time and time again where humor has helped them through difficult times and where someone’s love has helped them,” Army says.

“There’s so much about family and about early relationships and about insecurity in relationships, which hopefully everyone can relate to. So, a lot of laughter of recognition, I hope," says Pedlow.

“Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is the reopening production by the George Street Playhouse – a member company of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center – following a 19-month pandemic shutdown.

The play runs through Nov. 21.