Although there are only two roles in the latest production being staged at Butler Little Theatre, four actors will be playing them.

“Love Letters” opens at Butler Little Theatre on Friday, Jan. 30. Mainstay Butler actors Dennis and Nedra Casey play a couple, as they read letters that document decades of their relationship. Then on Wednesday, Feb. 4, the roles will be played by Jud Stewart and Katy Wayne, who will act in the show through the rest of the its run.

The dual casting is not the only unique element of this play. Its director, Jerry Johnston, said the show, itself, is surprising in its minimalism, but presents an opportunity to bring audiences through an emotional journey.

“This is basically a love story that takes place over more than half a century, and it is told through these letters these people have written to each other since they were children,” Johnston said. “You not only see the relationship that develops and grows with them, but you see the passage of time and how it changes them and how their lives take different paths and meet in some ways.”

The play is written by A.R. Gurney and premiered in New York City in 1989. It follows the lifelong correspondence between Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, who began as childhood friends and continued to exchange letters for more than 50 years. Their letters, ranging from birthday notes to personal reflections, reveal a deep connection and the complexities of their relationship, including their marriages, careers and eventual realization of their true feelings, according to a play synopsis.

While the story encompasses many years and life events which are all shared via the characters who read the letters aloud, Johnston explained that it is not a standard play. The actors don’t move around much. There is minimal set dressing.

“It involves acting, there’s no question about it. The author’s words are translated to the audience by actors,” Johnston said. “It’s very funny at times, very poignant at times and very sad at times.”

This isn’t the first time Butler Little Theatre has had “Love Letters” on its stage. It’s not even the first time that Johnston is part of it, having directed the show for a charity program a few years ago.

Johnston also said that the casting of two actors per role means that the show is a little different depending on who is performing. The minute differences between the actors’ performances will make the show worth seeing twice, Johnston said.

“The couples are both great, but if you see it both times, you’re going to see a difference in how it’s played,” Johnston said. “It’s fairly complicated for people just sitting there and reading.”

“Love Letters” shows at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 30, 31, Feb. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Butler Little Theatre, 1 Howard St., Butler. Tickets are $18, and Johnston said the show runs around an hour-and-a-half. It includes a 10-minute intermission. For tickets, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.

Dennis and Nedra Casey will perform in the shows from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, and Stewart and Wayne will perform Feb. 4 through 7.