Winner of an Obie Award, the New York Times Best Of 1999, and the 1999 Media Award from GLAAD, Stop Kiss tells the story of two young women in present day New York City, who humorously enter one another’s lives and find mutual affection, fears, and desires. In time, an unspoken attraction develops between the two friends and they grow to understand the meaning of courage and commitment. Their tentative first kiss leads not only to shocking violence, but also to a moving transformation.
Playwright Diana Son told American Theatre magazine in 1999, “I would never personally say this is a play about homophobia. This is a play about gay bashing. This is a play about the civil rights of gays and lesbians in America. I would describe the play as a love story.” Audiences couldn’t agree more. While the themes in this play certainly relate to the current social climate in our country, the core of this play is about love and personal discovery. Using a brilliant telling of the story in a non-linear, non-chronologic order we keep coming back to Callie and Sara and their journey.
“Stop Kiss is a beautiful and funny play about falling in love,” said Russell Stiles, director of the production being staged by CAMP Rehoboth. “This play has interwoven in it the joy of new love with the complexities of people’s prejudices and fear, of themselves and of others. It explores commitment, friendship and human compassion. Love is unexpected and to be treasured whenever and with whomever; it is a gift.”
Stop Kiss features two local actors with Stephanie Harmelin as Callie the street smart New Yorker, and Sadie Andros creating Sara, the idealistic elementary teacher. Both women have impressive acting credits and are complimented by a local and talented ensemble.
Stop Kiss opens Friday March 10 at 8 p.m. at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, 37 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. It continues March 11 at 8 p.m. and March 12 at 2 p.m. with $25 tickets available at the door.
**Due to the strong adult language and adult themes in the play, Stop Kiss is not recommended for young children. **