[ssba]
Stop Kiss
Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
The Pasadena Playhouse
Through Nov. 30
RECOMMENDED
At times, Diana Son’s play feels dated –- a violent hate crime results from two women kissing in public. In a time where more states than not allow the freedom to marry whomever you choose, where popular characters in television and film are openly homosexual, and where you can go to Disneyland and see all manner of couples holding hands without shame, you might ask, “Is this still relevant?”
However, if 32 states allow gay marriage that means that there are 18 that do not. We may be feeling more comfortable than ever in a liberal city like Los Angeles, but all over the world people are still assaulted, beaten, bullied, and even murdered for the crime of loving someone of the same gender. Even here in California, it was less than a decade ago when Proposition 8 (banning gay marriage) passed. And it was ten years earlier, 1998, that this play was written.
Stop Kiss takes place in New York and centers around two women. Callie (Angela Lin) has lived in the city for a while and finds herself stuck in a job that does not fulfill her. Meanwhile, New to New York, Sara (Sharon Leal) is passionate about the prospect of teaching elementary school children in the Bronx; she meets Callie through a friend. The two don’t seem to have much in common, but an important friendship is sparked none the less.
We know from the beginning that tragedy awaits. The scenes intercut with great effect between a light past — full of butterflies-in-stomach, hopeful flirtation and uncomfortable proximity — and a dark present in which everyone is forced to deal with the reality of the situation. Because after months and months of anticipation, joy, and nervous energy, the two women finally share their first kiss.
This is not only a moment we look forward to throughout the play –- but the moment we hope never comes to pass. Because if they just never kissed, it would never have been the source of such a violent reaction (which, interestingly, we never see), and Sara wouldn’t be unconscious in a hospital.
Playwright Son shows a subtle understanding of emotional attraction. Anyone will be able to watch the play and identify with similar feelings of courtship, excitement, fear and regret, regardless of sexual orientation. Stop Kiss perfectly, realistically chronicles the natural fearful progression of a relationship. What’s more, Son adds a level of complexity to the main characters: These aren’t two lesbians hiding in shame, but two confused women who happen to be dealing with relationships with men at the same time they’re blossoming together (John Sloan as Callie’s friend-with-benefits George; and Brandon Scott as Sara’s past boyfriend of seven years, Peter), giving a voice to bisexuality, or sexual ambiguity, or maybe just the idea that you can love any manner of person, or sometimes more than one person at the same time. The structure of the play itself is gorgeous, juxtaposing past and present to great effect, culminating in a perfect ending.
Director Seema Sueko, a newcomer to The Pasadena Playhouse, masterfully evokes natural and powerful performances. Angela Lin and Sharon Leal work with tenderness, great comedic timing, and a beautiful chemistry. Add to the equation a gorgeous and detailed set designed by David F. Weiner. This is a play and a production worth seeing, full of thought, laughter, and some tears.
The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena; Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 & 7 p.m.; through Nov. 30 (626)-356-7529, https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
