Prelude to a Kiss (play)
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- This article is about the stage play. For the 1992 film adaptation, see Prelude to a Kiss.
Prelude to a Kiss is a 1988 play by Craig Lucas. It tells the story of a couple that falls in love despite the girl's pessimistic outlook on life. Shortly after their wedding, a supernatural event tests the strength of their love and commitment to each other.
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[edit] Plot synopsis
Immediately after a young couple named Peter and Rita have exchanged wedding vows, an unknown elderly man asks to kiss the bride. As he does, Rita's soul and the old man's magically exchange bodies.
Neither Peter nor the wedding guests grasp what has happened. Peter leaves the wedding with a woman he believes is Rita. During their honeymoon, he comes to realize that Rita's body is no longer inhabited by Rita's true personality. He must find the old man, and try to make himself love the spirit of Rita that is now inside that old man's body.
[edit] Analysis
Playwright Lucas is openly gay, and critics widely interpreted the story as a metaphor for AIDS, which had ravaged the gay community. Because of AIDS, many gay men found that their formerly young handsome lovers had become frail, weak, and helpless. In effect, many gay men found that they were now in relationships with men who'd grown old long before their time. Peter's quest may symbolize the efforts of gay men to continue to love the souls and personalities that now lay inside sick, decrepit bodies.
[edit] Productions
The play, a romantic comedy, was commissioned and originally staged by 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 starred 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.
