In this spirited revival, the cast has a lot of fun with
the material, even incorporating their mirth into the scene changes. A
relatively well-known piece, owing to the screen adaptation of the same
name, PRELUDE TO A KISS is a tale of wish fulfillment, love and
regret.
Although the very finale lacks dramatic impact, the
action leading up to it is fast-paced and appropriate to the subject matter.
A seemingly simple story of a couple that meets at a party, falls in love,
and weds within weeks, that part of the play is a mere prelude to the real
action. For, PRELUDE TO A KISS is really about a curious switching of
souls, and the unspoken desires within us. It is about the difference
between what we perceive to be real and the truth. Ultimately, it is about
the simple dreams and desires of human beings.
Heading up the cast as the young couple are A.J.
Handegard as Peter and Rachel Feldman as Rita. They are good, but the real,
seasoned comedy can be attributed to the Elizabeth A. Hayes and John Lisanti
as Rita’s parents. They add the subtlety and nuance the script needs to
combat the simplistic supernatural aspects of the plot.
If you have never seen PRELUDE TO A KISS, the
production currently mounted at T. Schreiber Studio is a good chance to get
a perky first look.
- Kessa De Santis -