Prelude to a Kiss

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Prelude to a Kiss is the title of a play by Craig Lucas, and also of the 1992 film based on the play. It tells the story of a couple that falls in love despite the girl's pessimistic outlook on life. As they struggle to come to terms with their relationship, something supernatural happens that tests it.

[edit] The Play

The play, a romantic comedy, was commissioned and originally produced at South Coast Repertory in 1988. It opened off-Broadway at Circle Repertory Company on February 20, 1990, starring Alec Baldwin and Mary-Louise Parker, directed by Norman René. After receiving rave reviews, the production moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway, with Timothy Hutton replacing Baldwin. Other cast members included Barnard Hughes, Debra Monk, John Dossett, and Larry Bryggman. The play ran for 440 performances, received a Tony Award nomination as Best Play, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The title is taken from the torch song by Duke Ellington.

A revival opened on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre on March 8, 2007, produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company. Alan Tudyk, Annie Parisse and John Mahoney star in the lead roles, with Robin Bartlett, James Rebhorn, and Matthew Rauch in the featured supporting cast. The show was directed by Daniel Sullivan with original music by John Gromada, scenery by Santo Loquasto, costumes by Jane Greenwood, and lighting by Donald Holder.

[edit] The Film

Prelude to a Kiss
Directed by	Norman René
Produced by	Gruskoff/Levy Company
Written by	Craig Lucas
Starring	Alec Baldwin Meg Ryan Sydney Walker Ned Beatty Kathy Bates Patty Duke Stanley Tucci
Music by	Howard Shore
Distributed by	20th Century Fox
Release date(s)	10 July 1992
Running time	105 min.
IMDb profile

The 1992 American (fantasy/romantic) film version was directed by René and adapted by Lucas from his play. It starred Baldwin and Meg Ryan in the leading roles, and had a supporting cast featuring Ned Beatty, Kathy Bates, Patty Duke, Stanley Tucci and Sydney Walker.

The Ellington song was used for the opening credits, and as a theme heard throughout the film.