My "prelude" to LCC's Prelude to a Kiss was the wonderful version done at Riverwalk in 2004 with the dear departed talent of Bob Gras in the "Old Man" role, directed by Ken Beachler. This time, at LCC, Ken was cast as the "Old Man". Though Ken has told me he had to approach this version anew - his love and understanding of the script showed through his sensitive portrayal.
This is a strange and challenging script where a young bride and an old man switch bodies in a magical kiss. It's both amusing and thought provoking: who ARE we, really? Our bodies? Our souls? What do we have to learn from a different perspective? (Floss!)
Garrett McCord and Katie Dufort both did a good job tackling the challenging roles of Peter and Rita, getting to know each other, awkward at first, working up to understanding and loving each other - then each coping with the body switch. Garrett was engaging, often breaking the fourth wall to share his story with the audience. Rita had two roles to play, the real Rita, and then the "Old Man" trying to "pass" as Rita.
The supporting cast was good, especially Rita's parents, Cassie Little and Jesse Frawley. The set (Thomas Schraeder) was an assortment of different "areas" that effectively represented six different locales with smooth transitions and no set changes. This helped the play flow, and kept it to a brief 90-minutes. Costumes (Kate Hudson Koskinen) were muted and blended well with the set, and were well choreographed, as Garrett made several costume changes during his monologues, without skipping a beat.
Kudos to director Andy Callis for masterminding this play as it opens new perspectives on the nature of love and the appreciation of life and health.
Prelude continues next weekend 8pm Fri/Sat and a 2pm Sunday show Feb 23 at LCC's Dart Auditorium. (but NOT tomorrow, the 16th. LCC is changing it's tradition, moving the one-Sunday performance to the second weekend instead of the first. Peppermint Creek does the opposite with its one-Sunday show - so those of you who like matinees, keep this in mind.)
$15 ($10 seniors LCC Staff & alumni; $5 LCC students
http://www.lcc.edu/cma/events/
This is a strange and challenging script where a young bride and an old man switch bodies in a magical kiss. It's both amusing and thought provoking: who ARE we, really? Our bodies? Our souls? What do we have to learn from a different perspective? (Floss!)
Garrett McCord and Katie Dufort both did a good job tackling the challenging roles of Peter and Rita, getting to know each other, awkward at first, working up to understanding and loving each other - then each coping with the body switch. Garrett was engaging, often breaking the fourth wall to share his story with the audience. Rita had two roles to play, the real Rita, and then the "Old Man" trying to "pass" as Rita.
The supporting cast was good, especially Rita's parents, Cassie Little and Jesse Frawley. The set (Thomas Schraeder) was an assortment of different "areas" that effectively represented six different locales with smooth transitions and no set changes. This helped the play flow, and kept it to a brief 90-minutes. Costumes (Kate Hudson Koskinen) were muted and blended well with the set, and were well choreographed, as Garrett made several costume changes during his monologues, without skipping a beat.
Kudos to director Andy Callis for masterminding this play as it opens new perspectives on the nature of love and the appreciation of life and health.
Prelude continues next weekend 8pm Fri/Sat and a 2pm Sunday show Feb 23 at LCC's Dart Auditorium. (but NOT tomorrow, the 16th. LCC is changing it's tradition, moving the one-Sunday performance to the second weekend instead of the first. Peppermint Creek does the opposite with its one-Sunday show - so those of you who like matinees, keep this in mind.)
$15 ($10 seniors LCC Staff & alumni; $5 LCC students
http://www.lcc.edu/cma/events/
RSS Feed
