Theatrical Review: A Prelude to a Kiss

A PRELUDE TO A KISS
Written by: Craig Lucas
Directed by: Jon Baptiste
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players production of “A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas. The play has been referred to as a modern day fairy tale with all the elements associated with them. This includes a life enriching theme and a restorative kiss. Like many fairy tales, this theme can be interpreted in various ways leaving the audience with many questions left unanswered at the play’s conclusion. Luckily, the production has provided a Question and Answer period scheduled to take place after each performance (except the final one on March 16th) designed to address any lingering thoughts the audience may have.

The play begins at a part where two people named Peter and Rita meet and quickly fall in love. Their love evolves and they decide to marry in the course of a few weeks. What promises to be a tale leading to a simple “Happily ever after” conclusion is quickly set aside by the entrance of an old man who kisses the bride and transforms the play as it begins to explore the challenges often encountered during the transition from the wedding day to married life. However, the kiss goes beyond the “normal” trials of Marital Bliss since the personalities of Rita and the old man are transposed with one another.

It is often difficult for actors to play characters beyond their range of personal experiences. This is especially true when the role is that of a different gender. The temptation is to over emphasize certain masculine or feminine traits to demonstrate the actor is a man playing a woman and visa versa. It takes a great deal of skill and restraint to only utilize a small amount of gestures to give the audience a hint of the character’s true identity while hiding it from the rest of the characters in a believable way. However, not showing any of the characteristics of the character’s true nature jeopardizes its legitimacy. It’s a very delicate balancing act requiring a considerable amount the skill and restraint I eluded to earlier.

Although there were the occasional timid delivery of some lines often associated with opening night performances, the acting of the entire company was very well done. This was especially true of Patrick Turner, Barbara Calchera, and Jerry Durkin who portrayed Peter, Rita, and the old man. Barbara Calchera and Jerry Durkin performed their roles with all the skill and restraint they required while Patrick Turner served as the audience’s path finder leading them to suspend their disbelief of what they’re witnessing through his commentary and explorations into what is the nature of love in all its bewildering disguises. It is said the fairies often come to us in such disguises in order to teach us such lessons through our own reflections.

“A Prelude to a Kiss” also featured Scott McIntosh as Dr. Boyle and Adia Williams as his wife Mrs. Boyles. Their characters enhanced the believability of an otherwise unbelievable set of circumstance as did Dan Eash who portrayed Taylor (Peter’s friend) who contributed additional validating observations to keep the play “real.” Other actors rounding out the production were Marty Courtney* as Uncle Fred, Michelle Kane as Aunt Dorothy, and Bob Otto as the minister along with the dual roles of the maid of honor and Leah portrayed by Maria Sole and Tom and the Waiter portrayed by Mike Slizofski. It is often said the most difficult role in a Shakespearian play is that of the spear holder. It should be noted the actors who had few or no lines to utter held their spears rather nicely.

“A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas was Directed by Jon Baptiste who also served as the Sound Technician while Neal Johnson* served as the Sound Designer. The Light Technician was Kyle Mahaney while the lighting design was created by Kayla Goble. Props were handled by Ariel Hudak while Amy Cramer* served as the Script Gopher and Publicist. Lillian Ramirez Gonzalez*, Mary Horn, and Kasey Mesko served as a members of the box office staff. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood.

This production of “A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until March 16th and is recommended for those who would like to explore the questions a tale told by fairies can inspire. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentation will be The Center Stage Players production of “Bus Stop” will be performed May 2nd - 11th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.